Transforming Teaching:

Technology and media have undeniably transformed the way the world operates, influencing how we access information, share knowledge, and communicate with one another. These societal changes have also had a massive impact on education, shaping the ways we teach and learn in the classroom.

Take our EDTC class, for example; everything is done online. From engaging in weekly learning projects to communicating through blogs, Discord, and Zoom, technology is at the core of our experience. Without it, this course simply wouldn’t work the way it does.

This week, we watched a YouTube video titled “An Anthropological Introduction to YouTube.” In it, Michael Wesch discusses how YouTube has opened the door for global discussion, changing and uploading content, and even collaboration. He gives examples of how people from all over the world connected through webcam videos, like the viral “Numa Numa” trend.

I really appreciated this video because it highlights the positive impact social media can have on connection, collaboration, and sharing. Since YouTube’s launch, we’ve gained many more platforms, but I enjoyed how Wesch explains its influence from an anthropological perspective. 

What This Means for My Future Classroom:

As a future educator, this means I need to embrace digital tools and recognize that learning isn’t confined to textbooks and traditional methods. My students will be part of a world where information is constantly at their fingertips, where they can learn from people across the globe, and where creativity flourishes through content creation and collaboration. 

Instead of ignoring this fact, I want to find ways to incorporate technology meaningfully, whether that’s through blogging, using interactive platforms like Kahoot (or countless others), or encouraging students to explore and analyze digital media critically. Teaching students how to be critical of media, and how to be safe and be mindful of their digital footprint is not only my job as a future educator, but a partnership between me, my students, and their guardians. Being mindful of the way students will be engaged in technology also means acknowledging that students aren’t just consumers of knowledge; they’re creators, and we should encourage them to engage with learning in this way, but ensuring they have the skills and tools to do so. 

What This Means for Schools in General:

 The digital age is forcing a shift whether we want to admit that or not. The way students access and engage with information today is very different from even a decade ago. Schools need to move beyond memorization-based learning and shift towards teaching students how to evaluate sources, think critically about online content, and use digital platforms responsibly. This is not just a school’s job, as I previously mentioned it is a team effort that we must consider. 

School’s do need to realize there’s also an increasing need to teach media literacy, helping students understand bias, misinformation, and the “right” use of technology. Instead of banning social media or viewing it as a distraction, schools could embrace it as a tool for engagement, communication, and learning. (Again informing the “right” use for technology). I believe that app’s or media like TikTok for social usage do have a time and place, as humans are social creature-and I myself am guilty of using my media platforms for social and entertainment purposes- there is a right way that should be talked about in schools. We have an obligation to our use to talk about and teach about this. 

Rethinking Schooling and Education in a Networked World:

Education is no longer confined to a classroom. With YouTube tutorials, online courses, and digital communities, students can learn from experts, peers, and content creators across the world. This challenges the traditional idea of schooling, where learning is structured and teacher centered. Instead, education needs to become more flexible, student driven, and inquiry based. Schools should focus on helping students develop skills that will serve them in a constantly evolving digital world (like adaptability, collaboration, and digital citizenship)- again the idea of critical thinking, navigation and learning how to be responsible with a “digital footprint”.

This also means rethinking assessment. If information is accessible within seconds, should we really be testing students on memorization? Or should we focus more on their ability to apply knowledge, analyze perspectives, and create meaningful content? A networked world demands a shift in how we define learning and success.

Balancing the Challenges and Possibilities of a Digital Reality:

Of course, integrating technology into education comes with challenges. There are concerns about screen time, digital distractions, cyberbullying, and misinformation. However, these challenges shouldn’t make us shy away from using technology in the classroom, they should encourage us to teach students how to navigate these issues responsibly. Instead of avoiding technology, we need to equip students with the skills to use it wisely.

The digital world also offers incredible opportunities. It allows students to connect with diverse perspectives, collaborate beyond their physical classrooms, and engage with content in interactive ways. The key is balance, using technology intentionally, setting boundaries, and ensuring that it enhances learning rather than replaces essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. 

Past Wishes:

I can’t speak for everyone’s experiences, but personally, I wish I had learned more about what a digital footprint really meant. Like many of my friends, I got Facebook at a very young age, without fully understanding the long-term impact of what I posted. According to my profile (which I still use), I was born in 1975…obviously not true, as I was actually born in 2002. This means that, according to Facebook, I’m fifty years old when, in reality, I’m twenty-two.

Looking back, I have countless posts from when I was younger, some harmless, some cringeworthy, and all a reminder that without proper education on digital footprints, students may share things online without considering the potential risks or future consequences. As we grow up and begin building careers, those early, thoughtless posts can follow us in ways we never anticipated. This is why it’s so important to teach students about online presence, privacy, and the lasting impact of what they share. To this day, I still wish I could take back some of the cringeworthy things I have put on social media, but this week’s reading was a reminder that you can’t, and it also reminded me how cautious I need to be moving forward. 

To back up the need for these teachings, I’ll leave you with a statistic from an article we read this week (linked here). “When reflecting on their social media use, a majority of U.S. teens (55%) feel they spend about the right amount of time on these platforms, while 36% believe they spend too much time. Only 8% think they spend too little time on social media.”

This highlights just how much social media is used  in students’ daily lives. If so many teens recognize their significant time spent online, it’s even more crucial that we teach them skills and knowledge they may need to navigate these spaces responsibly. Understanding digital footprints, privacy, and the long term effects of online activity should be a highlighted part of modern education.

Closing Thoughts & How We Move Forward:

Wesch’s video reminds us that the internet has created new ways of learning, communicating, and engaging with culture. As future educators, we have the responsibility to prepare students for this reality, not by resisting change but by embracing it thoughtfully. Schools and classrooms need to evolve, ensuring that students are not just passive consumers of digital content but active, critical, and creative participants in the world around them. By fostering awareness and encouraging responsible online behavior, we can empower the next generation to take control of their digital identities and use technology in meaningful, positive ways.