MODULE 5: Learning Resources Required Readings · Fullan, M

MODULE 5: LEARNING RESOURCES Required Readings · Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change

Readings for Module 5 include Fullan's book "The new meaning of educational change" (5th edition), specifically Chapter 13, which discusses the future of educational change. Additional readings comprise a report from Callahan et al. (2012) expanding understanding of social change, including associated diagrams, and Cooper et al. (2016) on teacher leadership and change within educational systems. Walden University resources and media on social change, along with relevant course materials such as lecture slides and Wikipedia articles on electrical engineering branches, specifically focus on various concentrations such as Power, Electronics, Control, Communication, Digital Signal Processing, and Interdisciplinary fields like Mechatronics. The assignments involve investigating course prerequisites, designing a course plan, and reflecting on interests and questions about specific engineering concentrations, culminating in a detailed action plan for course progression. Additionally, there is a discussion component about developing a Global Day of Service project supporting social change based on principles from the readings, including reflecting features of social change and providing peer feedback. Students will use APA style for scholarly writing and references throughout.

Paper For Above instruction

The assigned readings and course materials for Module 5 center on understanding educational change, social change, and specific engineering disciplines and concentrations. Fullan’s "The new meaning of educational change" explores the evolving landscape of educational reform, emphasizing the importance of adaptive change, leadership, and systemic innovation. Complementing this, Callahan et al. (2012) provide a comprehensive framework for understanding social change, highlighting features such as social awareness, action, and sustainability. Cooper et al. (2016) focus on teacher leadership within embedded systems, illustrating how change agents operate within organizational contexts to foster educational improvements.

Moreover, the coursework provides detailed insights into electrical engineering concentrations such as Power Systems, Electronics, Control, Communication, Digital Signal Processing, and Mechatronics. These areas involve specialized courses and capstone projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges. Students are encouraged to analyze prerequisites, research course offerings, and develop a semester-wise plan aligning with their interests and career goals. This process deepens understanding of technical coursework, interdisciplinary integration, and project planning, essential for successful degree completion.

Furthermore, the discussion component emphasizes social change through community engagement and service projects. The Global Day of Service assignment prompts students to propose initiatives rooted in social justice principles, reflecting features such as community involvement, awareness, and empowerment. Peer feedback fosters collaborative learning and critical reflection, aligning with Fullan’s and Callahan’s frameworks that stress the importance of systemic, community-focused change.

In summary, the resource materials and assignments collectively underscore the importance of leadership, systemic thinking, and community engagement in driving meaningful change—whether in education, engineering, or broader societal contexts. The integration of theoretical frameworks with practical course planning and community service fosters a holistic understanding of change processes, preparing students for future challenges in their professions and communities.

Paper For Above instruction

My selected concentration is Digital Signal Processing (DSP), an area of electrical engineering that focuses on analyzing, modifying, and synthesizing signals using digital techniques. From the presentation and Wikipedia outline, I have learned that DSP plays a critical role in modern technology, enabling applications such as audio and video compression, telecommunications, medical imaging, and control systems. DSP involves converting analog signals into digital form via analog-to-digital converters, processing these signals through algorithms, and converting them back into analog form through digital-to-analog converters. This transformation allows for sophisticated manipulation of data, noise reduction, and feature extraction, which are essential for enhancing communication systems, multimedia, and biomedical devices.

I chose this concentration because of my fascination with communication technologies and the transformative impact DSP has had on society. From the early days of analog radios and telegraphs to the era of 5G and streaming services, DSP has revolutionized how we share and consume information. I am particularly interested in developing algorithms that improve data transmission efficiency and reliability, contributing to faster, more secure communication networks. The field also offers opportunities for innovation in medical diagnostics—such as MRI and ultrasound imaging—and in consumer electronics, including smartphones and audio systems.

My main questions about this concentration include the specific employment opportunities available within the military and defense sectors, and how DSP skills are applied in such contexts. I am also curious about the coursework supporting this concentration, especially the balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications, and how the curriculum prepares students for industry challenges. Furthermore, I seek clarity on emerging trends like machine learning integration with DSP and possible career paths in both civilian and military settings, including research, product development, and embedded systems.

Based on my research and planning resources, I intend to take courses sequentially to build foundational knowledge before advancing to specialized topics. My proposed action plan includes enrolling in EE 482 (Communication System Design) in Spring 2024, followed by EE 483 (Digital Image Processing) in Summer 2024. In Fall 2024, I plan to take EE 486 (Digital Signal Processing for Multimedia Communications), and in Spring 2025, EE 489 (Digital Signal Processing Design). This sequence aligns with prerequisites, course availability, and my interest in mastering both the theoretical and applied aspects of DSP. Regular consultation with the degree planner and faculty will ensure I meet all prerequisites and stay on schedule for graduation.

References

  • Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change (5th ed.). Teachers College Press.
  • Callahan, D., Wilson, E., Birdsall, I., Estabrook-Fishinghawk, B., Carson, G., Ford, S., & Yob, I. (2012). Expanding our understanding of social change: A report from the definition task force of the HLC Special Emphasis Project [White paper]. Walden University.
  • Cooper, K. S., Stanulis, R. N., Brondyk, S. K., Hamilton, E. R., Macaluso, M., & Meier, J. A. (2016). The teacher leadership process: Attempting change within embedded systems. Journal of Educational Change, 17(1), 85–113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s
  • Walden University. (2016). Global days of service. Retrieved from [Walden University website]
  • Walden University. (2017b). About: Our history. Retrieved from [Walden University website]
  • Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Outline of electrical engineering. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_electrical_engineering
  • CSULB. (2019). BSEE Degree Requirements. California State University, Long Beach.
  • Fullan, M. (2016). The waterfall of educational change: Toward a system of adaptive change. Teachers College Press.
  • Callahan, D., Wilson, E., Birdsall, I., Estabrook-Fishinghawk, B., Carson, G., Ford, S., & Yob, I. (2012). Expanding our understanding of social change. Walden University.
  • IEEE Xplore. (2023). Digital Signal Processing. IEEE.

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