Author: jumbomusume

Lesson Plan

Introduction

Welcome to our culinary exploration where we will dive into the world of Sichuan cuisine, focusing on the iconic dish, Mapo Tofu. This lesson is designed to guide you through the rich flavors that make Mapo Tofu a beloved classic, combining tender tofu with a spicy, aromatic sauce.

Through interactive lessons, including a hands-on cooking activity, assessments to gauge your learning, and an H5P activity for an engaging review, you will gain not just a recipe, but a deep appreciation for the art of Sichuan cooking. We will conclude with a moment of self-reflection, allowing you to savor your culinary journey and the skills you’ve developed.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to identify the key ingredients and spices necessary for preparing traditional Mapo Tofu.
2. Students will demonstrate proper knife skills for preparing the tofu and other components of the dish.
3. Students will learn how to balance the complex flavors characteristic of Mapo Tofu, including spicy, numbing, savory, and umami.
4. Students will apply knowledge of cooking techniques such as pan-tossing, simmering, and seasoning adjustments.
5. Students will engage in critical thinking about how variations in ingredients and technique can alter the final dish.
6. Students will reflect on their learning experience and identify areas for further culinary exploration or improvement.

Assessment

1. Ingredient Identification Quiz: A short quiz using the H5P activity to assess students’ ability to identify and understand the function of each ingredient in Mapo Tofu.
2. Culinary Technique Demonstration: Students will be asked to demonstrate key culinary techniques used in the recipe, such as proper tofu dicing and the method for sautéing garlic and chili without burning.
3. Flavor Balance Assessment: Students will adjust the seasoning of their Mapo Tofu to achieve a harmonious balance of spicy, numbing, savory, and umami flavors, and they will explain their choices.
4. Final Dish Presentation: Students will present their completed dish, which will be assessed on presentation, texture, and adherence to the traditional aspects of Mapo Tofu.
5. Reflective Essay: A brief self-reflective essay where students discuss what they learned, challenges faced, and how they overcame them, as well as any additional insights they gained about Sichuan cuisine.
6. Cooking Process Video Submission: Students will submit a video of themselves cooking Mapo Tofu, demonstrating their understanding of the cooking process and technique.

H5P Activity

Unfortunately, due to the buggy H5P system, we failed to embed the vvt file(captions) into the interactive video. But we have attached vvt files along with the assignment for review.

Self-reflection

1. A discussion of how each member has contributed to the project

In the successful creation of our lesson plan on making Mapo Tofu, each team member played an important role, contributing their unique skills and expertise.

Enbai took charge of the filming process, capturing the detailed steps of cooking Mapo Tofu with precision and clarity, providing a visual foundation for the entire lesson.

Tim’s role was crucial in the post-production phase, where his editing skills came to the forefront, transforming the raw footage into a coherent and engaging instructional video.

Yifan’s designed the overall lesson structure, also developed the interactive video component using H5P, enhancing the lesson with an interactive element that supported active learning.

Xiaotong composed a thoughtful reflection post that encapsulated the learning experience, motivated students to think about and share their cooking experiences.

2. A lesson plan using the template introduced in Module 4

• Big Ideas/Introduction

Our lesson includes hands-on cooking, interactive assessments, and a chance to reflect on the skills you’ve picked up.

• Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to select Mapo Tofu ingredients, practice knife skills, and master flavor balance and cooking techniques. They will also think critically about ingredient choices and reflect on their cooking progress.

• Evidence of Learning

 To achieve this result, our videos are very easy to understand and we walk you through each step.

• Assessment

In the lesson, students will take a quiz to recognize Mapo Tofu ingredients and their uses, show how to cut tofu and cook garlic and chili, season their dish for the right flavor, and present the final Mapo Tofu. They’ll write about their cooking experience and make a video of themselves making the dish.

• Learning Activities

They can learn how to prepare a common Chinese dish that can be used in their daily lives.

3. Identify which media you created and with which tools

We used iMovie’s editing tool and posted it on YouTube. Secondly, we also added H5P interactive video for this instructional video.

4. Identify which media you included from other sources and why you chose it

We chose to use the H5P software to fulfill a role in helping to understand and solidify the knowledge points. We see H5P as a tool that combines active and passive learning. Therefore its acceptability is high. And it is very effective.

5. Identify the principles, theories and techniques that we studied this term that you have followed in your lesson

Our original intention in making this video was to bring Chinese specialties to a wider audience to learn how to make them. We chose to use a direct shooting method instead of using other virtual or screencast text. We didn’t choose AI tools because we didn’t think our subject matter was AI’s forte. Our videos are more about hands-on instruction rather than textual knowledge delivery. Because we think this is the most effective way to transfer knowledge. And we used Allan Paivio’s theory of combining images and words. This allows us to explain what is going on in the moment and also allows the students to receive the knowledge more quickly. Secondly, following Mayer’s principles of reducing the intrinsic load, we divided the production process into boards. From preparing the ingredients to cooking to decorating, the process is clear. Reduce the learning load of students.

We used twine to create the script for the video. Twine gives us a bird’s eye view of each step we want to shoot in our video. It makes our production logical and organized.

The entire video is centered around Mayer’s Coherence Principle. From the beginning to the end, we have a consistent theme. Our videos are primarily self-directed learning, but interactive questions have been added to ensure student understanding and reinforce memorization.

What’s more, we created a recipe for this using Canvas to make it easier to memorize. The recipe is described in simple words and phrases to meet the needs of a wider range of viewers. We paid attention to the design of some visual elements, including similar alignment, a lot of white space and so on. And there are eye-catching images. These can help the viewer to further memorize and use them in the future.

For module 3, I realize that sharing my own stories feels easy and connects me with others. However, adding suspense and humor is tough but important for making stories stick. I want to learn to keep people hooked without revealing too much too soon and to add fun to my stories to make them more enjoyable. Moving forward, I’m dedicated to practicing these skills. My goal is to tell stories that not only share a piece of me but also truly capture and entertain my listeners. This reflection has made me more determined to improve and make my storytelling richer.

For Module 4, I learned a lot about how to design lessons and why it’s important to keep students engaged. My project explains computer parts through an interactive video with quizzes and activities. These interactive parts not only helped me see if people understood but also made learning more enjoyable. The course had a good mix of reading and doing things, which really helped me understand better. Compared to other classes where I mostly just had, this one let me do more and be more creative. Module 4 showed me how important it is to keep students involved in their learning to help them understand better.

For module 5, the ChatGPT’s response to Adam Tal’s text-based RPGs, I am struck by the depth of insight it offers into the integration of AI in game development. My analysis using the TPACK framework underscores the collaborative potential of technology and content knowledge in enhancing learning experiences, particularly in fields like game design. The versatility of ChatGPT in providing comprehensive insights across diverse subjects, including game development, is evident. Moreover, I recognize the role of ChatGPT in providing a starting point for idea generation, even if it may not generate entirely novel concepts independently. This experience showed me that AI like ChatGPT can help with being creative and coming up with new ideas, although it has some limits.

In general, reflecting on all the modules, I have observed that there’s a continuous need for refinement in teaching methods, especially with the rapid advancement of technology. Incorporating technological innovations can significantly enhance teaching content and delivery. Additionally, I’ve learned that balancing various tools introduced throughout the course can add an element of enjoyment for both educators and learners. However, it’s essential to remember that the effectiveness of these tools ultimately depends on thoughtful consideration and strategic implementation.

module 3,4,5 posts: https://yifanedci337.opened.ca

module 3 comment: https://xiaotong.opened.ca/2024/03/01/module-3/#comments

module 4 comment: https://xiaotong.opened.ca/2024/03/11/78/#comments

module 5 comment: https://timedci337.opened.ca/2024/03/29/module-5-generative-ai-and-evaluating-content-and-tools-for-learning/#comments

Generative AI

ChatGPT-4

I was impressed after looking at the list of roleplaying games in ChatGPT that was made by Adam Tal. It is a cool way to mix AI with storytelling. By using ChatGPT, he can make his games more interesting and unique because the AI helps create stories that change based on what players decide to do. This makes every game a little different and more personal for the player. His work shows how AI can be used to make games better and more fun, giving players stories that feel special to them. It’s exciting to see someone using technology like this to take traditional gaming to a new level, and it might inspire more people to explore how AI can help them be creative in making their own games.

It is clear that the combination of engaging storytelling, immersive world building, and interactive gameplay forms the core of his achievements. The emphasis on creating vivid, suspenseful scenarios that challenge players to think creatively while navigating through the games shows a deep underrating of what makes text-based RPGs compelling.

I am surprised that the ChatGPT formulated a very comprehensive and inclusive bullet pointed response, this reflects the versatility and depth of understanding ChatGPT can offer across various subjects, including the field of game development and design.

TPACK analysis

The response from ChatGPT to Adam Tal’s success in creating text-based RPGS uses the TPACK framework by integrating technology with insightful content analysis and an educational narrative approach. Utilizing AI’s natural language process to dissect the complexities of game design, it combines a deep understanding of engaging storytelling and interactive gameplay. This sysnthesis not only conveys key aspects of successful RPG development but also presents the information in a structured, accessible manner, showcasing how technology and content knowledge can collaborate to enrich learning experiences in the digital age.

Reflection

It seems like ChatGPT tries its best to give a clear and helpful response. Even though ChatGPT might not come up with brand new ideas by itself, it’s really good at giving us a starting point that we can build on. My time checking out ChatGPT on this topic was pretty interesting. I feel like using ChatGPT to come up with new tech stuff through role-play might not be the best fit. But still, this test showed us a new way to look at things. I think ChatGPT did a really good job helping to think through and give a bunch of ideas.

Reference

“Are you familiar with text-based roleplaying game” follow-up prompt to list sources. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 30 Mar. 2024, chat.openai.com/chat.

“What makes Adam’s work a success? Can you list some points?” follow-up prompt to list sources. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 30 Mar. 2024, chat.openai.com/chat.

The primary objective of my video was to educate potential buyers on the essential checks to conduct before purchasing a used car. By imparting this knowledge, I aimed to equip viewers with the skills to make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and gain confidence in the car-buying process.

Video is an ideal medium for this topic as it allows for a visual and audial demonstration of the inspection process. Unlike static images or text, a video can capture the detail of each check, from the sound of the engine to the intricacy of examining the car’s interior.

I integrated Mayer’s Segmenting Principle by structuring the video into distinct parts to allow viewers to process each section without feeling overwhelmed. Furthermore, I applied Mayer’s Coherence Principle, ensuring that each frame was focused and free from extra information that might distract from the learning process.

There are few challenges when capturing my video. Managing the filming techniques while also focusing on the detailed inspection of the vehicle was quite tricky. And it was tough to carry out the hands-on inspection and explain everything clearly and smoothly at the same time. 

The easiest part was scripting. I found that having a well-structured script gave a clear roadmap for the narration. The clarity of the written script provided a solid foundation from which to work and ensured that I covered all necessary points.

I would consider using an AI voiceover to maintain consistency in narration. This could help address any issues with expression and allow me to focus more on demonstrating the inspection techniques. Additionally, I would enhance my video with storytelling elements where appropriate. By sharing relevant personal experiences, I could make the content more engaging and relatable to the audience. 

In module 4, I got the chance to dive into the fundamentals of learning design and understand how crucial active learning is. Besides just learning about these concepts, I’ve also put them into practice by designing mini lessons that include interactive elements aimed at enhancing learning.

Lesson plan

Introduction

This week’s lesson will focus on the various parts that make up a computer. Computers are a part of our everyday life, whether we’re working, playing, or communicating. They’ve become essential to modern life because they allow us to handle information and complete tasks quickly with minimal manual work.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Identify computer parts correctly

Explain the usage of certain computer parts

Have a understanding about basic computer components

Assessment

Students will engage in completing a series of H5P exercises crafted by me, designed specifically to evaluate their comprehension of the lesson’s content. These exercises, developed with the interactive H5P tool, aim to challenge students by testing their ability to match computer components with their respective functions and to accurately identify these parts within a diagram. This activity will not only assess their understanding but also reinforce their learning by enhancing their ability to recall and apply the information learned.

Self-reflection activity

The objective of this section is to foster enhanced active learning and creativity, motivating students to engage deeply with their acquired knowledge and think innovatively about its applications.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Which computer components do you consider to be potentially redundant in the current setup?
2. Suggest a way to improve the cooling system without increasing its noise level.
3. Propose a deign change for a motherboard that could make it more user-friendly for upgrades

H5P activities

Self reflection

How have you found the balance of passive and active learning in this course for your learning? How does it compare to your experience in other courses?

In EDCI337, I’ve really appreciated the effective blend of passive and active learning throughout the course. It kicks off with passive activities like readings and videos, where the role is mostly to absorb information. This sets the stage for the more engaging part: actively applying what we’ve learned by writing educational blog posts.

This structure has worked out exceptionally well for me. Initially, I underestimated how challenging it would be to articulate my understanding through blog posts. This task pushes me to engage deeply with the content. In essence, the moment of true learning comes during the active phase, especially when I employ strategies like constructive alignment and backward design. This approach helps me stay focused on the core learning objectives, avoiding unnecessary distractions.

Contrastingly, in many other university courses, I’ve often felt like a mere recipient of information, passively consuming what’s taught. Although these courses include assessments like projects and exams to deepen understanding, making those connections in self-directed projects can sometimes be elusive.

What sets this course apart for me is the level of autonomy we’re given with our assignments. Unlike the tighter constraints in my other courses, EDCI337 allows for greater creative freedom in how we approach our projects.

In this lesson, I learned a lot about how telling stories can really grab people’s attention and help them remember things better. After reading an article called “7 Storytelling Techniques Used by the Most Inspiring TED Presenters” by Nayomi Chibana, I was really struck by how Dananjaya Hettiarachchi did his talk. Right from the start, he knew how to pull the audience in. What made him stand out was how he used really clear and exciting conversations in his talk, making it feel like a suspenseful story with a bit of mystery.

One of the coolest parts of his presentation was when he tore up a flower. Before he did that, he had made the flower seem really beautiful. But when he ripped it up, it was like he was showing us that beauty can be broken, which was a powerful moment.

He also shared a story that was very personal, which made it super relatable for everyone listening. This is a smart move because it makes people pay attention right away.

Thinking about his talk, I believe Dananjaya used some really smart storytelling tricks, and I want to mention a few that I think were really good:

• Share personal stories: Telling your own story helps connect with the audience on a personal level.
• Build suspense: Keeping people guessing what’s next keeps them hooked.
• Show, don’t just tell: Doing something surprising, like tearing a flower, makes your point stronger.
• Use humor: Making people laugh is a great way to keep them interested and listening.

Dananjaya Hettiarachchi really showed how powerful storytelling can be. It’s not just about sharing information; it’s about making people feel something and remember your message. He shows that if you tell stories well, you can really make an impact and stick in people’s minds.

Twine

I’ve finished creating a mysterious and exciting story using Twine. I managed to use storytelling techniques to build a world filled with suspense, drawing readers in and making them eager to see what happens. By using descriptive and engaging language, I’ve crafted detailed scenes that make readers feel like they’re right in the middle of the action, fully involved in the story from start to finish.

I will also provide a link down here for testing: file:///Users/yifanzhu/Documents/Twine/Scratch/test-f4df5fd9-7896-4710-8e2a-65cccd03d561.html.

Upon conducting an evaluation with the WAVE accessibility tool, it was unexpectedly revealed that the BBC News site exhibited fundamental oversights, such as missing alternative text for images and non-descriptive interactive elements. This discovery underscores the importance of meticulous attention to accessibility details in web design—a responsibility that must be upheld irrespective of an organization’s stature.

The utilization of text-to-speech technology offers an intriguing insight into the auditory dimension of content interaction. The variation in synthetic voices can notably influence the engagement and comprehension levels of the listener, underscoring the need for careful selection to enhance the learning experience. In the context of UDL, the strategic integration of media serves not merely as an enhancement of the educational narrative but as a crucial component in creating a rich, adaptable learning environment that accommodates diverse learner preferences.

In the realm of infographic creation via Canva, the application of design principles transcends aesthetic appeal, demanding a balance between clarity and creativity. The platform facilitates an environment where informative content is transformed into compelling visual stories, accessible to a broader audience. Providing alternative text descriptions for infographics ensures that the information conveyed is inclusive, particularly for those with visual impairments, thus aligning with the ethos of universal accessibility in digital content creation.

Q: Of all the principles of Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning we looked at in this module, which seem most intuitive to you? Which ones surprised you?

A: The most intuitive principle to me is the Segmenting Principle. Breaking complex information into smaller, manageable parts aligns naturally with how we process and understand new information. It’s a fundamental approach in teaching complex subjects like cryptography.

The surprising principle is the Personalization Principle. The impact of conversational language in enhancing learning, as opposed to formal speech, highlights the subtle yet significant role of language tone in educational contexts. It’s intriguing how this approach can make complex topics more accessible and relatable.

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Q: Which principles did you have in mind when you were creating your screencast? Which were you able to employ and which were more challenging to follow?

A: When creating the screencast on the One Time Pad in cryptography, I primarily had the Segmenting and Coherence Principles in mind. Segmenting was employed by breaking down the cryptographic method into step-by-step segments, making it easier to follow. Coherence was ensured by focusing only on relevant information, avoiding any unrelated content.

The challenging principle to follow was the Modality Principle, given the handwritten, step-by-step nature of the presentation. Balancing the use of text and visuals without narration was a consideration, as it involved deciding how best to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

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Q: Who did you imagine as the audience for this screencast? How did that impact your design choices?

A: I imagined the audience for the screencast as students or enthusiasts with a basic understanding of cryptography but new to the concept of the One Time Pad. This influenced the design choices by emphasizing clarity and simplicity. The step-by-step handwritten method was chosen to mimic a classroom-style teaching approach, allowing viewers to follow along at a pace similar to a traditional learning environment. This approach also considered the learners’ need to grasp foundational concepts before diving into more complex aspects, aligning with the Segmenting Principle for gradual and effective learning.

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Q: Provide an example of a multimedia learning principle that you have intuitively followed in the past, and an example of a multimedia learning principle that you have not followed in the past. What will you do differently now?

A: In the past, I have intuitively followed the Coherence Principle. For instance, in presentations, I’ve focused on including only relevant information, avoiding extraneous details or graphics that don’t contribute directly to the learning objective. This approach helps maintain the learner’s focus on the key concepts.

A principle I haven’t always followed is the Redundancy Principle. In some instances, I’ve combined narration, text, and visuals, potentially overloading the learner with repetitive information across different formats.

Moving forward, I will be more mindful of the Redundancy Principle. I’ll aim to balance the use of text, visuals, and narration more effectively, considering the cognitive load and ensuring that each element contributes uniquely to the learning experience without unnecessary repetition.

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What is your preferred mode of remote communication?

A: My preferred mode of remote communication is through email and video conferencing

What are your communication strengths? 

A: My communication strengths include active listening and clarity in written and verbal communication

What are your communication weaknesses? Where would you like to grow? 

A: My communication weaknesses involve occasional difficulty in expressing emotions and being overly concise; I would like to improve in sharing feelings and elaborating when necessary.

Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert? 

A: I consider myself more of an introvert, but I can adapt to extroverted communication when needed.

What time zone are you in? 

A: I am Pacific Time Zone

What time of day do you prefer doing academic work? 

A: I prefer doing academic work in the morning and early afternoon.

When you are upset do you tend to share this with others or keep it to yourself? 

A: When I am upset, I tend to keep it to myself initially but I am open to discussing it with others if the need arises.

What do you like about group work? 

A: I like group work because if fosters diverse perspectives and collaboration, leading to well-rounded outcomes.

What don’t you like about group work? 

A: I don’t like group work when there is a lack of clear roles and responsibilities, or when communication becomes disorganized.

What else would you like your team to know?

A: One additional thing I’d like my team to know is that I am open to constructive feedback and value open communication for a successful team dynamic.