It is almost unfathomable to think about how much the internet and our digital world has changed since the internet was launched. Our class discussion regarding the reaction of someone from the 1950 being plucked from what they know and dropped into our current digital culture definitely sparked some thought about what I see as some of the biggest changes to our digital lifestyle. There are times where I feel like I can’t keep up with the changes in technology – and I haven’t turned 40 yet!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{Pictured above is my dad, left, born in 1949 alongside his brother, in this photo dated 1952}

One of the first points that caught my attention in the YouTube video featuring anthropologist Michael Wesch was when he shared his example of collaboration and likened it to a travelling across time and space. In Wesch’s example, he collaborated with a musical artist from the Ivory Coast of Africa while he worked in the basement of his home in Arkansas. This was one of many examples of the creation of global connections that Wesch spoke to in his presentation.

In terms of the culture of participation in the classroom, there are so many online resources and opportunities to connect with others that we might never have had the opportunity to connect with. My students have participated in SK Live Arts presentations that offer live learning opportunities such as completing an art project led by a Métis artist and a theatrical presentation led  by a teacher and actress. We’ve also participated in some interactive science presentations led by instructors in Ontario.  These have been wonderful learning experiences and opportunities!

I feel like there is some added pressure on schools to ensure that they have up-to-date technology and infrastructure to support the lean towards digital use in the classroom. Seeking out these online learning opportunities to stay current is also important, especially if you’re a school fighting to maintain or build enrolment.

A lot of re-thinking has happened when it comes to education.

It was a forced rethinking (thanks? Covid), but there are so many more opportunities for accredited classes that are available online. There’s no way I’d be able to finish my degree without these online class options! Our class is an example of this new culture of participation. Here we all are, each Tuesday evening, logging into an online Zoom Room from wherever we all may be (you will find me chilling in SE Sask!) to participate in an online class.
Pretty cool opportunities to be had thanks to the internet!

 

The balancing act comes back to limits, for me anyway. I don’t use TikTok for this very reason.
I waste fifteen minutes of my life watching cat/guinea pig/dog reels on Facebook when they come up! Although I do think helpful and relevant info is being shared some of the time, my algorithms are definitely not picking up and delivering anything useful!!