AHA! Moments by Jeannine Younger

Maker Challenges are all around me!

jeannineyounger — 2024-04-10 20:29:20 UTC

Before this course, I felt like the maker challenges needed to be completed in a purposeful and formal makerspace environment. In completing the first CLT and the e-portfolio, I am now seeing maker challenges everywhere. It's in the robot lessons I am trying to create, the resources I am helping to build, and even making dinner. There are so many opportunities to engage the maker-mentality by focusing on flexibility, learning, improving, pivoting and more.

Checking my privilege!

jeannineyounger — 2024-04-10 21:53:14 UTC

As I have learned more about EDIDA frameworks (equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and antiracism), I have had to do some deep reflection regarding my own biases and my privilege. While I often look at my practice with an inclusive eye, I have realized that it often stops with the cognitive and physical disabilities focusing on academic accommodations and rarely do my thoughts go beyond that. I am very privileged and need to acknowledge that to move forward with all parts of the EDIDA frameworks and do better.

Rich Learning Online

jeannineyounger — 2024-04-11 01:58:51 UTC

One of the main reasons I was drawn to this program was the result of my experiences teaching through online learning in 2020/2021. I struggled to find ways to support a diverse learning population with meaningful and authentic activities. Online participation in the maker weekend highlighted and showcased how rich learning experiences can be had in the online and/or blended learning environment. I appreciated the engagement, the variety of activities, and the opportunity to participate in alternate ways that were meaningful and authentic.

Small changes make a big difference!

jeannineyounger — 2024-04-11 02:32:24 UTC

I was surprised by how even small changes can make such a big impact on a welcoming learning environment. Ensuring diverse representation in pictures used when building resources, holding discussions in a circle, posting visuals, clear labels, and communication.

Collaboration with stakeholders

jeannineyounger — 2024-04-11 02:34:06 UTC

We talk a lot about collaboration with peers and colleagues but I often forget how important it is to come along side stakeholders and participants. Involve people in the planning process to increase authenticity, participation, and rich learning opportunities.