EDLD5366+Reflection

Creating a newsletter is something I have done as a classroom teacher to keep parents informed of students’ classroom activities, due dates of projects, assignments, and homework. This class was the first time I thought of elements of a newsletter. When creating the newsletters for my class, information was my goal. Without realizing it, I focused on three elements Lamb describes: overall purpose, audience, and content. The elements I glossed over were the format and layout. The use of white space I never considered using. Colors and fonts can make a newsletter more appealing, but I never gave it much thought as I did completing this assignment. Alignment was an element that I did look at but never to the degree in creating my newsletter. The most enjoyable part of the assignment was getting to learn Adobe InDesign CS3. Not only was I able to use the software to complete this project, but it will help me to create materials and graphics in my job as K-5 science facilitator for the district. I was proud of the digital newsletter that I created and I will use parts of it for our KIC conference that 5th grade is planning for the spring. I plan on creating a science website for our district this summer and I will be more aware of employing Lamb’s elements. Sharing with colleagues through the discussion board and through wiki’s and blogs has been very helpful. I have gained many new insights on communications through digital and printed forms. As our world becomes more global it is important to learn to communicate most effectively.