EDLD 5366- Assignment 1.2 Investigating Ancient Work & Principles of Design

Assignment 1.2

In this assignment, you will investigate ancient manuscripts and books that give your insight into the history of graphic communication and how the principles of design were used in these early manuscripts.  You will write a 50-100 word reflection and post to your blog site that addresses the following:

1. Describe your first impression of these ancient works in respect to design
2. Identify examples of each of the four principles of design
3. What techniques did the authors/artists employ to help us understand the importance of those manuscripts/books?

For assignment 1.2, I explored the Ethiopic Bible (http://www.bl.uk/collections/treasures/ethiopic/ethiopic_broadband.). I was impressed by the ancient work of this book, especially because of the elegant written script, which was surrounded by decorative boarders, and many illustrations portrayed in bold colors. In regards to contrast the Ethiopic Bible contained bold colors such as: red, yellow, charcoal, white chalk, and indigo. The main text was written in black ink, while the titles were written in red ink. The width of the pen nib dictated the size of the script used. In the principle of repetition, the book repeated visual elements of design throughout the piece. The bold colored illustrations added visual interest to the text. Each section was consistent with the way it was laid out, which enhanced the design and clarified the information. Alignment, was well presented throughout the Ethiopic Bible as well, each element that was illustrated was aligned with another element (such as an illustration or text). Even the decorative boards and texts columns were aligned and were well organized with each other. Most of the text, if not all was left aligned or justified (2 columns), while the illustrations were mostly center aligned. In the final principle of proximity, the information that is presented in this book is organized into related groups. For example, the miniatures (illustrations) are grouped together before the gospel text. Therefore this proximity of the miniatures with the text keeps the structure of the book organized and also clarifies meaning.  It is evident that the author/artist employed the four basic principles of design to help us understand the importance of the manuscripts/books. It is interesting how even during the 17^th century, the period when this Ethiopic Bible was made, that the four principles of design, which we are learning about in our 21^st century university class, were already being implemented.

EDLD 5301- Week 5 Final Reflection ET8027

Lectures The lectures helped me understand what was expected in each assignment each week. All of the lectures were very detailed and pertinent to what we had to construct for that particular week. Having the professors make the lectures as an “interview format” made it easy to follow and understand their given responses. In addition, having the lecture transcripts available helped me clarify my doubts. I benefited much from the various formats. Having the lectures from the doctors also helped me throughout the construction of my action research project. I was able to listen and read through the key points of their action research. This was also beneficial because I was able to see a finished product. Overall, all of the lectures were of great assistance to me.   Readings The readings were very informative and had lots of examples that correlated with each week’s assignments. The Dana text was a great resource because it guided me through the process of creating my action research project. It precisely spelled out, step-by-step all the key areas that my action research project needed. I enjoyed reading the “real life inquiry examples” that were given throughout the text. The Harris, Edmonson, and Combs text provided a framework for examining ways to improve our schools. This text gave me an explanation of the “why” we need to make change happen. Searches, like electronic searches of topics and questions In regards to my action research I was determined to stick to that particular topic (Action Research Project: In what ways does integrating technology, to create, improve, and/or motivate good study habits for 7th grade Jr. High students, help to improve their grades?), because it has been a problem at my school. I did some electronic searches to help me with the wording of my inquiry. I searched for examples of inquiry topics/questions. But I found that the texts that we used in this class had a plethora of examples on constructing my inquiry question appropriately. Assignments and activities The assignments and activities correlated well with each week’s readings and videos. And helped me in constructing my action research project. Both were the assignments and activities were resourceful and adequate. I found that the amount of time that each required was quite appropriate. Having the resource documents, video transcripts, chat logs, and the weekly overviews helped facilitate learning in this course. I feel that the assignments and activities prepared me well. Discussion Board/Blogs The discussion board was quiet interesting. I enjoyed reading other people’s posts and reply’s on the various topics or ideas. I learned from what was being discussed in the discussion board, and I applied the advice, and/or examples that would be applicable to my action research. The blog is something I am new to and was a bit unsure on how to use it at first, but now I feel much more confident and have familiarized myself with it. Now I just need to get others to follow my blog J. I went ahead and joined some blogs that were similar in topic to mine and provided feedback to the blogger. I look forward into using the “Blog”. Following my blog at: http://www.lamaestramartinez.blogspot.com/

EDLD 5301- Week 5, Five Quality Indicators for My Action Research

Quality Indicator 1

Context of Study: This quality indicator refers to the ability to provide complete information about the context in which the research took place. This may include but not be limited to information about the school, district, teachers, students, content, and curriculum. In my action research project this quality indicator will help me assess to what extent this work stimulated the thinking, learning, and motivation of my student’s context. It will also help me assess to what extent I stimulate my thinking about teaching and learning in my own context. (Dana text)

Quality Indicator 2

Wondering(s) and Purpose: This quality indicator refers that the principal-research needs to explain the root of their question(s)/wondering(s) in detail. The explanation makes a convincing case for the wondering’s. I began with my action research project because I have seen the need in creating, motivating, and improving my 7th graders study habits, and what better way than to engage them through the use of technology. The purpose of this would be to use their technological resources in creating this study habits that they will keep throughout the years. (Dana text)

Quality Indicator 3

Principal Research Design (Data Collection and Data Analysis): This quality indicator refers to the collection of data from multiple sources. Throughout my action research project I will collect and analyze data from various sources such as: tests scores, field notes, student work, journal entries, progress reports, report cards, etc. I have selected a wide range of students that vary from various skills and levels. I will also collect literature related to my topic as a form of data to help me through my action research project. (Dana text)

Quality Indicator 4

Principal-Research Learning: This quality indicator refers that the principal-researchers articulate clear, thoughtful statements about what they learned through the process, in other words this quality indicator includes a personal reflection. Each statement is supported, in detail by data. If relevant, data may also be included that did not appear to fit with what the principal claiming, with possible explanations for the discrepant data. Throughout my action research I would constantly reflect on what works and what doesn’t (the pros and the cons), I would use a journal, blogs, and peer discussions to record this information. By discussing, sharing, and reflecting my action plan with others, I would be able to make changes accordingly. (Dana text)

Quality Indicator 5

Implications for Practice: This quality indicator refers to the practitioner-researchers details of examples of change they have made or will consider making based on what they learned through their research. Change in practice flow logically from the researcher’s statements of learning. In addition, practitioner-researchers discuss wonderings that might be pursued in the future based on what was learned from their current research. While I take upon my action research project I will have a particular purpose, and/or focus, but as I work through my action research I might come upon other wonderings/questions that will lead me into future inquiries. My plan will help me stay focused in my ultimate goal, but the questions/wonderings throughout the way will guide and refine me objective. And in turn making a much more successful action research project. (Dana text)

EDLD 5301- Week 4 Action Plan Discussed and Agreed Upon

Due to our summer schedule, I had to conference with my principal via email. We discussed my action plan for the 2012-13 school year. We both agreed that it is important to create, improve, and/or motivate good study habits for our 7^th grade Jr. High Students, in order to improve their grades. She was very pleased that I will be researching the ways in which integrating technology can help meet our goal. Her mission is to have our entire school with WiFi availability and a new computer lab just for our Jr. High students. We both feel that technology is the way of the future and we need to use our resources to encourage our students to succeed. All of these new integrations will be of great support for my action research plan. Overall, she was very supportive of my plan and said that it was all well written and that no changes were needed. She was also very committed in supporting me throughout my plan as much as possible.  

We discussed:

My Plan, Background, and an Overview. (The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and the How)

Action Research Project: In what ways does integrating technology, to create, improve, and/or motivate good study habits for 7th grade Jr. High students, help to improve their grades?