Week 4 - Video

Learning how to communicate the concept of money in American Sign Language is very difficult for many of my students. In addition, it is a topic that we do not have a lot of class time to practice. This video does a great job of demonstrating the concepts clearly in a way students can understand and can reinforce what I teach in the classroom. 

In evaluating videos, I considered all of the factors and design principles of multimedia design. I found a video that was appropriate for the lesson and targeted the skill I wish to develop in my students. I felt that it assisted my students cognition by utilizing visual demonstrations that were easy to understand and repetitive. It is audience appropriate as I teach adult learners in a university setting. The use of visual examples allows the students useful practice and increases cognition and retention. Finally, because it is a YouTube video, it is easily accessible on any device and free to use. This is especially valuable to college students with stretched resources and limited funds.




Creating the animation on Powtoon was a fun exercise and one that I think may be useful to my students. I created a video as a course overview and introduction for beginning level ASL students. At this level, the students tend to be intimidated and nervous. This animation can lighten the mood and help them to enter this new arena with less trepidation. By breaking the information into small pieces and pairing it with visuals, student engagement and comprehension of the course expectations will be improved.

Week 3- Digital Images

In American Deaf culture, there is a long history of hearing people punishing Deaf people for using sign language. In teaching introductory Deaf history and culture classes, I think it's important for students to put themselves in the shoes of others. How would you feel if you were fined for speaking? Deaf people were often punished in much more severe ways for using their hands. All they wanted was to belong and to be able to communicate, to understand and be understood.

Because American Sign Language is a visual language, in order to communicate or be heard you must be seen. When my Deaf teenage daughter does not want to listen to what I'm telling her, she just closes her eyes in an act of defiance. This can be very frustrating.

Finally, my presentation is one that I would use to educate students on the basics of American Sign Language. As for use in the classroom, students will be able to explain the role of ASL in American Deaf culture, identify at least three cultural norms of the American Deaf community, and identify at least three factors related to Deaf identity. 

Infographic

Application: In learning about Gestalt theory and principle of design. I particularly like the theory of proximity. I did not apply it in the design elements as much as in the collage itself. My helping the average hearing student find proximity to their Deaf counterpart, I am able to provide meaning, understanding, and compassion.

Reflection: This class is helping to find more ways to incorporate technology into my teaching style. Technology is foreign for me but essential to learn and utilize. With ASL being so visual, these eye catching and easy to use presentations are making me a more effective educator.

Week 2- Copyright

Classroom/Educational Setting:

Advanced ASL students work towards grasping a deeper understanding of Deaf culture. Art and expression are a large part of this exploration. In this assignment, students will explore different types of Deaf expression and art and their connection to the Deaf community.

Objectives:

Students will be able to explain the role of folklore, ASL literature, poetry, and visual and performing arts in American Deaf Culture as well as reference examples of each.

Copyright:

Students will be expected to create a multimedia presentation focusing on an assigned artist. They will explore the art type as well as the artist's background. Copyright will be an important part of their education as they produce their project. They will also need an understanding of creative commons and what can appropriately be shared in their project.

Application: 

Padlet can be a useful tool for easily displaying the student's work. It nicely organizes the information and makes navigation simple. Student's can share what they learn and also link to additional resources. 

Reflection:

This has been a valuable exercise for me this week. I had no previous experience with Padlet. I will definitely use this resource in my classes as well as an exploration  into copyright and creative commons. 

Who am I

My name is Cheryl Barden. I am the mother of 5 very busy kiddos. The three oldest all have special needs and two are adopted. I spend a lot of time driving kids around. Three are dancers, one is a wrestler and tennis player, and one runs track. They are all performers and love music and theater. We spend a lot of time at rehearsals.

In addition to being a mom, I teach American Sign Language and Communication Disorders here at CMU. I just returned from a site visit to Paris, France in conjunction with a Study Abroad course I will be teaching. My two youngest traveled with me to celebrate their birthdays. The pictures below are from that trip. I will be leaving next week with students and I'm really looking forward to it. Paris is amazing. It was really cool to share it with my girls.

I am also the PTA President for Ithaca Public Schools. In my free time, I teach piano lessons and play in a local orchestra. Technology is not a strength for me. I am quickly learning that I am outdated (my kids tell me everyday). These classes are hopefully going to bring me more current.