ETEC 500: Research Methodology in Education
I appreciated developing my critical analysis skills in the context of learning about different research methods. This course also helped me in beginning to build an understanding of educational research and how technology can influence society.
ETEC 510: Design of Technology Supported Learning Environments
This course was my first real dive into learning new tools and creating them under the framework of design thinking. My takeaway here was how to balance the needs of the learner with the functionality of technology to provide an environment for productive learning.
ETEC 511: Foundations of Educational Technology
Through the examination of 6 different aspects of technology, I was able to comprehend how society’s view and use of technology has changed and stayed the same since the invention of the pencil. This course broadened my perspective of technology use beyond educational contexts.
ETEC 512: Applications of Learning Theories to Instruction
From behaviourism to cognitivism to constructivism, this course examined each theory in detail and connected it to how we integrate technology to enhance learning. My own pedagogy was distilled as I reflected on my own teaching practice.
ETEC 524: Learning Technologies: Selection, Design and Application
This course was incredibly practical; it provided a host of frameworks that are helpful in assessing the learning needs of an organization or in evaluating which educational technologies would be a good fit. This course also provided the opportunity to work with popular LMSs, in which I learned how to use Moodle and H5P tools to create an online unit of learning.
ETEC 565A: Understanding Learning Analytics
Another practical course that expanded my knowledge and critical thinking abilities. I grew to appreciate what data can be collected and how it can be used. In the educational setting, we looked at different analytical tools and assessed what actionable insights were ascertained and the viability of its use in our own educational settings.
ETEC 565S: Digital Games, Learning and Pedagogy
This was a face-to-face summer intensive course that introduced the elements of play and the dynamics of digital games. We had great discussions of how games and learning intersect within and beyond the classroom. The majority of our time was focused on creating an educational game by learning about game design and how to make games with different game creating platforms.
ETEC 565D: Digital Games and Learning
This course was a deeper dive into the concepts covered in the summer intensive. I was able to refine my game design skills and my multimedia skills. I took a closer look at gaming culture through assignments involving video game creating, playing and observing, which led me to an overarching idea that there is great learning potential in digital games.
ETEC 590: Eportfolio project
The culminating and curating nature of this course has allowed me to develop my convergent thinking and self-reflection skills. In addition, this course also provided the opportunity to showcase my work and celebrate my accomplishments with my peers.