Education is education and an educator, regardless of whom they are teaching, can express and educate. Multimedia can enhance that teaching and make lessons that much more interesting and engaging. As educators, we learn content and are provided with tools to teach. The one thing we’re not provided with is delivery style. That’s a good thing! We’re each challenged to create and deliver in unique ways that meet our style of teaching. The world around us has advanced from technology to teaching practices so has the style of teaching. I mean, think of it: at one point there was a teacher at the front of the class with a chalkboard and books–that’s it! We have an abundance of multimedia resources at the tip of our fingers today and our job again is to utilize them as we educate. Knowing how and when to implement these multimedia tools is the ultimate challenge. Educators are competing with a world full of technology that people have their hands on. Assigning minutes of usage for any program isn’t enough. Students (both adults and children) want to be engaged and experience tools in live environments and hands-on. Ensuring that there is purpose, validity, and motivation behind these multimedia tools and instruction has to demonstrate a deeper meaning for learning. How do we accomplish that, train educators to be experts with the tools and instruction? Know your consumer (students) and sell your product. Research I studied couldn’t have said it better (King et al., 2013) states, through collaborative projects, in which the pre-service teachers must work with students and are required to create multimedia projects, we find they can demonstrate their competence. Our students can educate us as well and that is honestly worth so much to them and to us.

As an educator, I am confident in my skill to learn multiple multimedia resources and to follow the principles that have been established through research. I have plenty of resources I use throughout my teaching. Research states by demonstrating that teaching with symbolic, visual, and verbal representations facilitate and strengthens the learning process by providing several l referring sources of information (Moreno, 2002). I can say that I have developed and delivered effective presentations. The art of putting together a 100% effective lesson that encompasses all areas of content and technology (every single time) is extremely difficult. Educators would agree that different content requires different delivery and different multimedia. It seems as though the minute we have one learning resource established, a new one comes in and takes over. Not to worry, I know as an educator I have to be open, willing, and ready for changes that come my way. Whether I am using Screencastify, YouTube, or Flipgrid (to name a few) I will do my absolute best to deliver a lesson.

Multimedia Learning and Principles of Using Multimedia in Education/Training Resources:

King, J. R., Scheider, J. J., Kozdras, D., Minick, V., Welsh, J., Brindley, R., Feger, M. V. F., & Kirby, A. (2013). The Multiple Ways Technology Supports Pre-service Teacher Education: A Foray into Multimedia Literacies. Journal of Reading Education, 38(3), 14 20

Moreno, R. (2002). Who Learns Best with Multiple Representations? Cognitive Theory Implications for Individual Differences in Multimedia Learning.

I can remember as far back as middle school and having computer class time as we called it. We learned how to type and create basic Word documents. Most of all, I remember the use of color and tools we had available. At that age, I thought “the more color, the better” and so any and every middle school student added color to everything. It was the late 90s and color and Word Art was booming, or at least it was according to me.

Fast forward to a college course and thinking why do I need to know the history of art, it’s not like I will teach Art. Was I wrong! I had previously learned about the color wheel and how companies use different fonts and colors to attract a certain clientele. It still surprises me that certain colors trigger certain feelings and emotions.

I used to think If I was creating a business card or logo I would add as much information as possible. Yet, after seeing the videos I would use the component of simplicity to ensure my logo stood out is most effective. Providing examples of good and bad logos helps guide the creator. For a beginner in logo making such as myself, visual representation is extremely helpful.

At first, the information presented in the module seemed overwhelming. However, I like the idea of categorizing or chunking all the important competencies that are essential to the expectations of this course.

I used Canva to create my logo and the only troublesome part of creating my media project was the limited options I had for a logo. I like my logo and would use it for the future. I still however have my doubts of whether it could be enhanced.

Overall, I enjoyed creating a logo. It made me reflect on where I want to be in the future, how I want to be branded, and how I want people to see me as they seek my expertise.

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Beatrice L. Perez and I am writing this letter with the interest in the Instructional Technologist position. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and certification to teach grades PreK – 6th grade. As well, I am attending Sul Ross State University where I will get my Master’s degree in Educational Technology in August 2021. My goal is to be an asset to your company by demonstrating technology through critical thinking, collaborating, communicating, and creating.

As an Instructional Technologist, it is important to utilize multimedia competencies by recording presentations in an engaging method, provide training that allows for online simulations, and share interactive tutorials necessary for the team.

My role as an Instructional Technologist would be to serve as a team member, trainer, and in doing so your company would produce productivity. I am well versed in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Together, we can use those platforms as a foundation for housing trainings, tools, communications, and presentations. I am skilled at meeting the needs of employees and adjusting my pace in order to grasp the software and hardware that will be used. I strive to ensure that my team has an opportunity to experience software in a live environment. Together education and experience have taught me to encourage creativity and serve as a learner. Through audio, video, and online embedded resources, I assure growth within your company and a confident team willing to show what they have learned. Though there are tools I have not learned yet and some I still need refining on, I can assure you I am not intimidated nor shy to explore new technology and with proper research, I will use it.

I am a fast learner, motivated, and coachable. I am a reader and will research resources necessary to improve my skills. I am a leader and in the event, an issue or problem may occur I am self-taught and can implement my best multimedia competencies immediately.

Thank you for your consideration

Beatrice L. Perez