(Response to prompt #1: Discuss graphic creation – how do you envision using this in the classroom?)
This week our class learned about creating graphics and using them in the classroom, and I found it quite fun. Pictured above is the graphic I created for class. I originally set out to create a blog banner for this project, but after making the graphic I actually decided to design a logo for my blog instead and use a simpler background. I am a maximalist at heart as you may have picked up from the graphic, but I want to go with a cleaner and more minimalist look for my education blog since I think it better demonstrates professionalism and is less visually confusing to readers. Pictured below is the logo I created for my blog this week- I created it by drawing in my sketchbook, photographing it, then playing with the contrast and highlights to clean up the background. I am not the most tech-savvy, so I’m happy that I could use simple, free tech in my phone to add my art to my blog.
I created my blog banner graphic using Canva, and it was actually my first time on the website. I was excited to learn the ropes because several of my peers use Canva for other school projects and have recommended it to me. I found Canva a bit confusing to navigate at first because of the sheer amount of options for design elements, and I’ll admit I was a wee bit overwhelmed. Luckily, it didn’t take me too long to find the template I needed, and in about 15 minutes I was confidently selecting and editing stickers to spice up my banner. This boosted my tech confidence, and although I certainly have lots to learn before I can efficiently use Canva, I do see myself using it and similar applications in the classroom one day and for school projects.
I think graphics could be helpful for all sorts of things in the classroom, and I’m looking forward to exploring their uses more as I learn. During today’s class, I though about how I could create an “about me” graphic to quickly introduce myself to new classes in a fun way. I’m especially thinking about using this when I meet my year 2 practicum class in the spring, because I’ll only be there for 3 weeks so I won’t have much time to get to know the class before jumping into lessons and observation. I would add details like my “teacher name” (Just Graham? Mx. Graham? perhaps Teacher Graham?), my pronouns, my role in the classroom, and my hobbies.
I would also like to create graphics for classroom posters on key ideas, fun exit slips and worksheets, and powerpoint slides for lessons. I noticed in my recent in-situ experiences that many teachers now have a specific design used in all their classroom decorations, and I think I could use graphic creation sites to make some personalized decorations for my class one day with a nice theme.