Category: Weekly Reflections

This week we had a guest visitor to help teach our class about how to use iMovie and the software Audacity. I learned some essential skills for creating high-quality video and audio content. The class was also introduced to the library resources, including the “Ask Us” desk at UVIC where students can borrow gear and use the podcast room, which can be booked in advance.

In class we has the opportunity to practice editing videos below are some examples.

In the goat video above I learned how to add a title, add transitions, end credits as well as how to add music. I learned some helpful tips for video editing, such as how to “scrub” through the video using the spacebar to stop and navigate efficiently.

In the above bike clip I learned how to add an intro transition, how to slow down part of the video, add sound and how to make it fade into black.

In my own time I decided to make a stop motion with clay! I used iMovie to add in sound and transitions.

In this week’s class, we discussed the Multimedia Learning Hypothesis, which explains that people learn more effectively from words and pictures together rather than from words alone. This idea is based on dual coding theory, which suggests that the human mind processes information through two separate channels—one for visual information and one for auditory information. Since each channel has a limited capacity (cognitive load), combining them thoughtfully can enhance learning.

We also talked about how learning is an active process of filtering, selecting, organizing, and integrating information based on prior knowledge. For example, understanding how a bicycle pump works is much easier when a diagram accompanies the explanation rather than relying on text alone. Graphics help make complex or unseen concepts more accessible and improve comprehension.

Some key takeaways from class:

• Spatial Contiguity Principle – Students learn better when related words and pictures are placed close together on a page or screen.
• Using graphics effectively – Color coding, diagrams, and annotations can enhance understanding.
• Creating graphics for teaching – We explored tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, PowerPoint, and Google Slides to create visuals for worksheets and lessons.

Overall, I found it really interesting to see how well-designed visuals can make learning more engaging and effective. Below I experimented with creating some graphics using Canva and create a meet the teacher page and my own little logo.

I also tried using Microsoft Designer to create an AI colouring page. The prompt I used was “Grade two class salmon cycle” this is what is created. Even though it did not really generate the salmon cycle, I thought this would be a cool tool to create interesting colouring pages as younger grades love doing colouring books!

This week in class, we discussed Open Educational Resources (OER). These are educational materials that are accessible online and openly licensed, allowing users to retain, reuse, remix, revise, and redistribute them. I believe OER is incredibly beneficial, particularly for new teachers, as it provides inspiration and serves as a helpful starting point for lesson and activity planning.

When I first learned about OER, it made me feel more confident about creating lessons and activities. As someone with no formal teaching experience yet, exploring OER has given me inspiration and ideas for topics I might want to teach in the future. However, I think it’s important not to use these resources as-is but to adapt and personalize them to fit your teaching style and your students’ needs.

In another class, it was pointed out that some OER materials may not align with the BC curriculum. This makes it especially important to review and revise them to ensure they meet the required standards. Editing these resources allows teachers to make them more relevant and tailored to their specific educational goals.

Overall, OER provides an invaluable resource for educators at all levels. It encourages collaboration, creativity, and accessibility in education. By thoughtfully adapting these materials, teachers can craft meaningful learning experiences that are both engaging and aligned with their students’ needs and curricular requirements.