[Chris Craft]
Program Portfolio
Infancy | Toddler | Tween | Adolescence | Teenager | Graduation
Teenager
As graduation nears the teenage years set in. Demonstrated by malaise, a tendency to sleep until nightfall and general disinterest in life, the only motivation that keeps the teen going is the fact that no matter how hard he or she try, time cannot be sped up. While at times this journey has been arduous, the drawing near of graduation has kept me going.
Title: AudioGamePlay
Link: Takes you to an external web site.
Standard(s): Development 2.0.6 (Use the results of evaluation methods and techniques to revise and update instructional and professional products.) 2.4.5 (Develop effective Web pages with appropriate links using various technological tools (e.g., print technologies, imaging technologies, and video).
Why: This site required multiple validations from web-based tools. Using the results from those validations, I updated the site to reflect fresh design technique combined with accessibility. Also, since it's a web page, it clearly fulfills the second one.
Annotation: This project was geared towards us learning to design accessible web pages using no tables and learning to check the site with validators. The goal was also to provide information regarding a topic related to accessibility. In my case, I chose to explore games played solely through audio. I went through the whole design process and designed a solid site with lots of information. This was a solo project and the site remains available today. The site contains an embedded video as well as a plethora of resources and references. As the project neared completion I asked for regular feedback and implemented many of the fixes, changes, and feature requests. The picture below shows the feedback I solicited.
Title: Web-Related Technology Project
Link: Takes you to an external web site.
Standard(s): Design 1.1.2a (Apply principles of educational psychology, communications theory, and visual literacy to the selection of media for macro- and micro-level design of instruction.) Development: 2.1.4 (Produce instructional and professional products using various aspects of integrated application programs.) 2.2.1 (Apply principles of visual and media literacy for the development and production of instructional and professional materials and products. Design and produce computer-based technologies that include or use Audio/video, digital, imaging devices, authoring tools, telecommunication tools)
Why: This was a project that explored various aspects of online photo editors and was presented through a wiki, clear evidence of the visual literacy aspect and design). Those facts lend credence to the development standards as well.
Annotation: The web-related technology project was designed to have us create instructional materials to use to teach someone else about a new technology. My technology of choice were online photo editors. I created short video introductions and then used screencasts to present the information. I embedded each video into a wiki and provided direct links to higher-quality versions for download. For each editor, I also provided a short list of reviews and other resources for exploration.
Title: Wikibasics
Link: Takes you to an external web site.
Standard(s): Design: 1.3.c (Analyze their selection of instructional strategies and/or models as influenced by the learning situation, nature of the specific content, and type of learner objective) 1.4.a (Identify a broad range of observed and hypothetical learner characteristics for their particular area(s) of preparation.) 1.4.b (Describe and/or document specific learner characteristics which influence the selection of instructional strategies.) 1.4.c (Describe and/or document specific learner characteristics which influence the implementation of instructional strategies.) Utilization: 3.4.1 (Identify and apply standards for the use of instructional technology.) 3.4.2 (Identify and apply policies which incorporate professional ethics within practice.) 3.4.3 (Identify and apply copyright and fair use guidelines within practice.) Management: 4.0.1 (Demonstrate leadership attributes with individuals and groups (e.g., interpersonal skills, group dynamics, team building).) 4.1.1, 2.1, 3.1 (Apply project management, resource management, delivery system management or information management techniques in various learning and training contexts)
Why: This was a massive project. During the beginning stages we spent a lot of time analyzing the group of English-language arts teachers that were going to to participate. We described characteristics about them and documented all of this in our analysis document. We then identified the appropriate standards for the teachers to use with students in a project setting. Since this is a new realm of instruction, we had to address logistical concerns and develop policies for use. There is a section covering copyright and privacy as well. Throughout, I maintained a role as a leader, initiating many conversations and providing feedback about the project and its management.
Annotation: In EDET 703 we were assigned a group project, which as a teenager I totally rebelled against. Remember us teens, we prefer to work alone whenever possible. That aside, the project allowed me to utilize many new skills. First, in order to advise someone to create a wiki that would be used with students, we had to explore many of the legal and logistical considerations of such. We researched them and then provided information about this topic in various portions of the site. We also created and included a tutorial on Creative Commons licensing which we feel strongly has wonderful implications for finding photographs that can be used in school without even worrying about fair use. Since this was a group project with four members (!) I was able to exercise the management muscle as well. I became the de facto leader of the group, organizing our collaboration through Google Docs. I often sent out email reminders keeping the group on track and asking for feedback. This project took a tremendous amount of time but we're able to offer a resource that will be available on the wiki site for a long time and can be easily refreshed and updated as needed.