Category: Assigned Blogs (Page 1 of 2)

One of the first things we talked about in this class is that throughout our journey is this class we have the opportunity and are encouraged to help one another learn. Having this made clear right off the hop helped for and my classmates be engaged. With having a class full of diversity, it helped learning from others and hearing about different perspectives to further our learning and understanding. I am glad this was something we all had to work towards as I continually saw effort made by each student to contribute to each other’s learning. I am lucky to say I contributed to others learning, whether it was during class zoom, blog comments/interactions, or in the discord.

During Class Zooms

Sometimes you can dread taking an online class and being in zoom every week but that was not the case with this class. Whether we were listening or discussion there was always so much learning going on each day. One of the major contributors to this was all of the breakout rooms we did. Although I did not have my camera on during lectures, I made sure to turn my camera on and unmute myself when I wanted to speak. I have been a part of zoom breakout rooms where classmates will just sit there with a black screen and on mute. Those breakout rooms usually seem like they last forever. During our class zooms I felt each time I was in a breakout room the time flew by as every time I was with students who mostly had their cameras on but always unmuted to speak. We countless great discussions where I heard other perspectives and gained new ideas and thoughts because of my classmates.

When thinking about our breakout rooms I think of one example where we were discussing AI and the use of technology growing up. With how diverse our classroom is, not only did I share the same experiences with others but heard about different experiences and knowledge from my diverse classmates. I clearly remember this time because it was 6-7 minutes long and I thought going into it, it would seem like forever but that was not the case. Each person contributed to the conversation and had thoughts to share. I believe our breakout rooms were a crucial part to making classes seem engaging and fun for all. Breakout rooms were a huge contribution to our learning, and I felt I always made a solid effort to contribute to others learning during this time. I believe I always made my best effort to help others learn and share ideas to further expand discussions and learning with my classmates.

Photo by arivleone on Pixabay

Blogging

Blogging was a big part of this class. I would be a liar if I told you at the start of the year it is something I think I would enjoy, but man was I wrong. I quickly became engaged not only with my blog but the amazing blogs of my fellow classmates. The way these blogs were set up to be accessible all on one feed made it easy to follow along my classmates’ journey of learning throughout the class. I knew I would not be the only one who did not think they would love blogging, so I always made an effort to be positive and encourage my classmates on their blogs. I always thought to myself what would be something I would want to hear, which is obviously something positive rather than negative.

For example, here are some encouraging words I shared with my classmates:

Whether it was reading about something I never knew about, or something I found interesting I always tried to bring that positive attitude of affirmation to my classmates to give them the push to keep going. I believe I contributed well thought out comments that gave a strong message of encouragement to them. I always found reading comments on my blog that made me smile or feel good pushed me to keep going and give my full effort on my blog. I always tried to be authentic and relatable when making comments on my classmates’ blogs as I wanted them to know there were always genuine. The blogs were such a big part of journey in EDTC300 so I wanted to contribute to others by helping them get through and always encourage them to present their best through their blogs! This was also shown to me through the comments left by my classmates which contributed to me work harder each week to provide great content for them to read!

Here are some of my others comments I kept track of throughout this class– Contributions to the Community Log.docx

Discord

Lastly, discord was something that we all had access to throughout this class. For myself I have used discord here and there for things like gaming or sports discussions but never for class. I thought this was a really cool way for myself and classmates to engage with one another and contribute to each other’s learning. It was very easy to use and for myself always having my phone with me I never missed something. Even something like not knowing if we had class or not, I could easily be reassured by looking at discord and seeing what is going on. I think for myself with it being something I was not used to using for class it was not my strongest in this class. I wish I could have shared more resources, but I always made sure to engage with ones that were shared with me.

Here are some examples of my engagement in discord and participation while contributing to other’s learning:

I believe it is always important to be heard, therefore I tried my best to reply to resources that were shared after checking them out for myself. I believe this contributed to other’s learning because having that positive reassurance of something can help others to continue to share things and know that people are checking them out.

In today’s hyperconnected world, our digital identities have become as significant as our real-world personas. Digital identity, in its essence, is the persona we create and present on digital platforms. It encompasses our social media profiles, online interactions, and the digital footprints we leave behind. This concept is well illustrated in Kate Fagan’s poignant article, “Split Image,” which explores the life of Madison Holleran, a University of Pennsylvania student-athlete whose Instagram account portrayed a life of perfection, masking her profound inner struggles.

Photo by alanajordan on Pixabay

The Curated Self

Digital identity often involves a high degree of curation. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter allow us to present the best versions of ourselves. We share moments of joy, success, and beauty, often filtering out the mundane or distressing aspects of our lives. In “Split Image,” Madison Holleran’s Instagram posts depicted an idyllic college experience, filled with picturesque scenes and smiling faces. However, this carefully curated digital identity concealed her severe depression and the pressure she felt to maintain this facade.

This phenomenon of curating our online selves can lead to a dissonance between our digital identities and our real lives. We might feel compelled to live up to the personas we project online, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing. The disparity between Madison’s real-life struggles and her digital persona ultimately highlights the dangers of this digital curation.

The Impact of Social Comparison

The digital age has amplified the human tendency for social comparison. With social media, we are constantly bombarded with images and stories of others’ successes and happiness. This can lead to a distorted perception of reality, where we believe everyone else is leading a perfect life. “Split Image” illustrates this through Madison’s story; her followers saw only the beautiful moments she shared, unaware of the pain she was enduring.

This comparison can be detrimental to mental health. It fosters feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression as individuals measure their own lives against the seemingly flawless lives of others. Madison’s tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the pressures that come with maintaining a perfect digital identity and the harmful effects of constant comparison.

The Duality of Digital Identity

Digital identity can often represent a duality – the public persona and the private self. For many, like Madison, the public digital identity is one of happiness and success, while the private self may be struggling with various challenges. This duality can create a sense of isolation, as individuals may feel that their real selves are incongruent with their online personas.

Fagan’s article delves deep into this duality, showing how Madison’s public posts were a stark contrast to her private pain. This highlights a critical issue in the age of social media: the pressure to conform to an idealized digital identity can sometimes overshadow the need to address personal well-being and mental health.

Toward Authentic Digital Identities

The story of Madison Holleran underscores the importance of authenticity in our digital identities. While it is natural to want to present our best selves online, there is a growing movement towards sharing more genuine and unfiltered aspects of life. Authenticity in digital identities can help mitigate the negative effects of social comparison and the pressure to maintain perfection.

By sharing our true selves – including our struggles and imperfections – we can foster a more supportive and realistic online community. This can encourage others to do the same, reducing the stigma around discussing mental health and promoting a more balanced view of life.

Conclusion

Digital identity, as illustrated by Madison Holleran’s story in “Split Image,” is a powerful yet complex aspect of modern life. It is a curated persona that can influence how we perceive ourselves and others. While digital identities allow for self-expression and connectivity, they can also lead to unrealistic expectations and mental health challenges. Striving for authenticity and balance in our online presence can help create a healthier and more supportive digital world. As we navigate the digital landscape, it is crucial to remember that behind every perfect image, there may be a more complicated and nuanced reality.

After reflecting upon what digital identity is, I took a look at a classmate and friend of mine on the Internet to see his digital identity, these were my results.

Photo by Republica on Pixabay

I decided to chose one of the Hour of Code  options on Code.org. I was intrigued right from the start as there were countless options to choose from. For me I have always been interested in code and how it works. This site does exactly that and presents it in a way that can be understood at a more basic level before getting into it deeper. This website is set up in a way that intrigues the viewer to find exactly what they might be looking for. For myself, we have a tabletop version of Space invaders at my cabin so I grew up playing it and as soon as I saw it as an option I instantly clicked!

Website Selection

My selection included a 9 step process. Each step slowly developed more steps which eventually leading to me building my own version of the game. Throughout the process I learned how to code what spaceship I wanted, the background, the noises of lasers shooting and hitting targets, scoring, lives, background music, and even creating the situation of losing all your lives equals losing the game. This was my final product – Space Invaders Game.  This process taught me each little step in depth to get a deeper understanding of coding. This also made me realize how in depth the process is for coding and this is simply a snippet of the whole process.

Throughout this process I tracked my progression with these steps:

Passing Each Level

Navigating the Menu

Each Step Passed Showed Code More in Depth

YouTube Tutorials With Each Step

End Goal – Creating my Own Game

Certificate of Completion

I believe code is fundamentally important for several reasons:

1. Automation: Code allows us to automate repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity. This automation spans a wide range of activities, from simple data entry to complex industrial processes.
2. Innovation: Code is the backbone of technology and innovation. It enables the creation of new software, applications, and systems that drive advancements in various fields, including healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment.
3. Communication: Code allows different systems and devices to communicate with each other. This is essential for the functioning of modern technology, from the internet to smart devices.
4. Problem-Solving: Writing code involves logical thinking and problem-solving skills. It encourages a structured approach to addressing and resolving complex issues, which is valuable in many areas of life and work.
5. Customization: Code allows for the customization of software to meet specific needs. This flexibility is crucial for businesses and individuals to tailor solutions that fit their unique requirements.
6. Data Analysis: Code is essential for processing and analyzing large amounts of data. This capability is critical in fields like data science, where insights drawn from data can drive decision-making and strategy.
7. Economic Impact: The software industry is a significant part of the global economy. Coding skills are in high demand, leading to numerous job opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
8. Empowerment: Learning to code empowers individuals to create their own projects and bring their ideas to life. It fosters creativity and gives people the tools to build solutions independently.

In essence, code is a powerful tool that shapes our world, driving progress, enabling innovation, and solving problems across diverse domains. Its importance cannot be overstated as it underpins much of the technology that modern society relies on. This process of learning how to code was presented in a fun and engaging manner. This allowed me to feel like I was playing around more than actually learning which I think can be very beneficial for engaging your students.

Approaching digital citizenship in my classroom involves a comprehensive strategy that integrates the nine elements of digital citizenship outlined by DigitalCitizenship.net. This approach aims to cultivate responsible, ethical, and knowledgeable digital citizens who can navigate the digital world safely and effectively.

Digital Access

Ensuring all students have equitable access to technology is fundamental. I will advocate for resources such as school-provided devices and internet access programs for students without adequate technology at home. This addresses the first element, Digital Access, promoting inclusivity and preventing the digital divide.

Photo by Peggy_Marco on Pixabay

Digital Commerce

Teaching Digital Commerce involves educating students on the safe and ethical use of online shopping platforms. Lessons will cover identifying trustworthy websites, understanding online scams, and managing digital transactions. I will incorporate real-life scenarios and role-playing activities to make these lessons engaging and practical.

Digital Communication

Effective and respectful online communication is critical. For Digital Communication, I will create a classroom environment where students practice clear, respectful, and positive online interactions. This includes lessons on email etiquette, social media use, and the impact of digital footprints.

Photo by WebTechExperts on Pixabay

Digital Literacy

Developing critical thinking skills to evaluate online information is the essence of Digital Literacy. I will teach students to differentiate between credible and non-credible sources, understand bias, and recognize fake news. Interactive activities like fact-checking exercises and research projects will be utilized to hone these skills.

Digital Etiquette

Respectful behavior online, or Digital Etiquette, will be emphasized through discussions on the consequences of cyberbullying, trolling, and other negative online behaviors. Students will participate in creating a digital etiquette charter, promoting ownership and understanding of respectful online conduct.

Digital Law

Understanding Digital Law is crucial for students to recognize their rights and responsibilities. Lessons will cover topics like copyright laws, privacy policies, and cyberbullying legislation. I will invite legal experts for workshops and use case studies to illustrate these concepts.

Digital Rights and Responsibilities

Digital Rights and Responsibilities education will highlight the balance between enjoying digital rights and fulfilling responsibilities. This involves teaching students about intellectual property rights, privacy rights, and the ethical use of information. Class discussions and debates will help students explore these topics in depth.

Digital Health and Wellness

Promoting a balanced use of technology for Digital Health and Wellness is essential. I will incorporate lessons on the physical and psychological effects of excessive screen time, encouraging activities that promote digital detox and overall well-being. Mindfulness and physical activities will be integrated into the daily routine to counterbalance digital usage.

Digital Security

Lastly, Digital Security focuses on protecting personal information and understanding cybersecurity. Students will learn about strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and the importance of personal data protection. Practical exercises, such as creating secure passwords and identifying secure websites, will reinforce these lessons.

Photo by TheDigitalArtist on Pixabay

Implementation Strategy

1. Curriculum Integration: Digital citizenship topics will be woven into various subjects, ensuring that the principles are consistently reinforced across the curriculum.
2. Age-Appropriate Content: Utilizing the Digital Citizenship Continuum from the “Be Kind Online” initiative, I will tailor content to be age-appropriate, ensuring it resonates with students from kindergarten through grade 12.
3. Interactive and Practical Activities: Engaging students through interactive methods such as role-playing, simulations, and group discussions will make the concepts of digital citizenship relatable and memorable.
4. Parental Involvement: Collaborating with parents through workshops and informational sessions will ensure that digital citizenship principles are reinforced at home, creating a holistic approach.
5. Continuous Assessment and Adaptation: Regular assessments of students’ understanding will help identify areas needing more focus, allowing for adaptive teaching methods to address emerging digital issues.

By implementing these strategies, I aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible and ethical digital citizens. These foundational elements will not only help them navigate the digital world safely but also empower them to make positive contributions to their communities. For more detailed guidelines, the following resources can be consulted:

• Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship
• Digital Citizenship Continuum
• Digital Citizenship Guide

During my schooling, the approach to “cyber safety” or digital citizenship was primarily educational, emphasizing proper use and awareness rather than scare tactics. Here are some techniques and aspects of the approach:

Photo by Mohamed_hassan on Pixabay

Techniques Used:

1. Classroom Lessons and Workshops:
   • Teachers incorporated lessons on internet safety into the curriculum, focusing on topics like creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and the importance of privacy settings on social media.
   • Workshops and special sessions conducted by IT professionals or guest speakers who shared their expertise on safe online practices.
   • For example, lots of activities directly from the Government of Canada we shared as well.
2. Educational Videos and Materials:
   • Use of educational videos that illustrated common online risks and how to avoid them.
   • Distribution of brochures and handouts with tips on cyber safety.
3. Interactive Activities:
   • Interactive games and quizzes to test students’ knowledge about internet safety.
   • Role-playing scenarios where students could practice responding to potential online threats.
   • Collaboration done with Google.
4. Parental Involvement:
   • Information sessions for parents to help them understand the digital landscape and guide their children.
   • Sending home resources and guidelines for parents to use with their children.

Effectiveness and Benefits:

• Awareness and Prevention:
  • This approach was beneficial in raising awareness among students about the potential dangers online and teaching them how to prevent issues before they occur.
  • Students were equipped with practical knowledge and skills to navigate the internet safely.
• Empowerment:
  • Rather than instilling fear, the educational approach empowered students to make informed decisions online.
  • It fostered a sense of responsibility and digital citizenship.

Photo by madartzgraphics on Pixabay

Most Helpful Approaches:

1. Comprehensive Education:
   • Continuous, age-appropriate education starting from a young age and evolving with the students’ growing digital engagement is crucial.
   • Integrating cyber safety into regular curriculum rather than as one-off sessions ensures consistent reinforcement.
2. Practical Engagement:
   • Interactive and practical activities that allow students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios are highly effective.
   • Simulations of common cyber threats can help students better understand and retain information.
3. Parental and Community Involvement:
   • Engaging parents and the community creates a support network for students, reinforcing the importance of cyber safety at home and in social settings.
   • Providing resources and training for parents ensures they can guide their children effectively.
4. Positive Reinforcement:
   • Highlighting positive examples of digital citizenship and rewarding responsible online behavior can encourage students to adopt and maintain good habits.
   • Focusing on the benefits of safe and responsible online behavior rather than solely on the dangers can create a more balanced perspective.

For me, I believe the most effective approaches to cyber safety education are those that are comprehensive, practical, and involve the broader community. By empowering students with knowledge and practical skills, and reinforcing these lessons through consistent engagement and support, schools can foster a culture of responsible and safe digital citizenship. I believe these were beneficial because we were made aware of the situations at an early age and kept up with the times. I believe any efforts made towards this problem and these situations make it easier for anyone to be aware of their surroundings. It is important for people to know these skills and their options in order to deal with these situations.

Photo by madartzgraphics on Pixabay

The digital age has brought about a seismic shift in the way we interact, learn, and participate in the world around us. Michael Wesch, in his thought-provoking lecture and blog post, highlights the transformative impact of digital media on our culture and education. Wesch’s insights are particularly relevant for educators who must navigate this new landscape to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Reflecting on Wesch’s ideas and the broader implications of a networked, participatory digital world, we can envision a future classroom that embraces these changes, rethinks traditional schooling,

Michael Wesch

and balances the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology.

The Changing World and New Culture of Participation

Wesch describes a world where information is no longer scarce but overwhelmingly abundant, and where participation in knowledge creation is democratized. The rise of digital platforms like YouTube, as exemplified in the video “The Machine is Us/ing Us,” illustrates how individuals can easily create, share, and collaborate on content. This participatory culture contrasts sharply with the traditional, top-down dissemination of information that characterized the pre-digital era. In this new culture, learners are not passive recipients of knowledge but active participants. They contribute to discussions, create content, and collaborate with peers across the globe. This shift from consumption to participation has profound implications for education. It calls for a reevaluation of teaching methods, curricular design, and the role of educators.

Implications for My Future Classroom

In my future classroom, embracing the principles of participatory culture will be crucial. Here are several ways this can be achieved:

• Collaborative Learning: Encouraging collaboration among students can foster a sense of community and enhance learning outcomes. Group projects, peer reviews, and collaborative problem-solving tasks can leverage the collective intelligence of the class.
• Digital Literacy: It will be essential to equip students with the skills to navigate, evaluate, and create digital content. This includes critical thinking skills to assess the credibility of information, as well as technical skills to use digital tools effectively.
• Student-Centered Learning: Adopting a student-centered approach can help personalize learning experiences. By allowing students to pursue their interests and explore topics in depth, we can foster intrinsic motivation and deeper engagement.
• Interactive and Multimedia Content: Integrating multimedia resources and interactive content can make learning more engaging. Videos, podcasts, and interactive simulations can cater to diverse learning styles and make complex concepts more accessible.
• Global Connections: Facilitating connections with learners and experts worldwide can provide students with diverse perspectives and opportunities for authentic learning experiences. Virtual exchanges, online discussions, and collaborative projects with students from other countries can broaden their horizons.

Photo by giovannacco on Pixabay

Implications for Schools in General

The broader educational landscape must also adapt to this new reality. Schools need to reconsider their structures, policies, and practices to align with the demands of a digital, participatory world.

• Flexible Learning Environments: Traditional classroom settings may need to evolve into more flexible, technology-rich environments that support various learning activities. This could include spaces for collaboration, quiet zones for individual work, and areas equipped with digital tools.
• Curriculum Redesign: Curricula should be updated to include digital literacy, media studies, and project-based learning. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches can help students make connections between different subjects and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
• Professional Development for Educators: Teachers must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to integrate digital tools and participatory practices into their teaching. Continuous professional development and support systems can help educators stay current with technological advancements and pedagogical strategies.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Traditional assessment methods may not fully capture the skills and competencies needed in the digital age. Schools should explore alternative assessment strategies, such as portfolios, project-based assessments, and peer evaluations, that reflect students’ abilities to collaborate, create, and think critically.

Rethinking Schooling and Education

To rethink schooling and education in our networked, participatory, and digital world, we need a paradigm shift that emphasizes lifelong learning, adaptability, and connectivity. Here are some key considerations:

• Lifelong Learning: Education should not be confined to the early years of life but seen as a continuous process. Schools should instill a love for learning and provide students with the skills to pursue knowledge independently throughout their lives.
• Adaptive Learning Technologies: Leveraging adaptive learning technologies can provide personalized learning experiences that cater to individual student needs. These technologies can help identify learning gaps, suggest resources, and track progress in real-time.
• Community and Industry Partnerships: Schools should build partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and higher education institutions to provide students with real-world learning opportunities. Internships, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects can bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
• Emphasis on Soft Skills: In addition to academic knowledge, schools should emphasize the development of soft skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial for success in a rapidly changing, interconnected world.

Photo by geralt on Pixabay

Balancing Challenges and Possibilities

The digital revolution presents both challenges and opportunities. To balance these effectively, schools must adopt a proactive and thoughtful approach:

• Digital Wellbeing: Addressing issues related to digital wellbeing, such as screen time, cyberbullying, and digital addiction, is essential. Schools should promote healthy digital habits and provide support for students to navigate the online world safely.
• Equity and Access: Ensuring all students have access to digital tools and resources is critical. This includes addressing the digital divide by providing devices and internet access to underserved communities.
• Ethical Use of Technology: Educators should teach students about the ethical implications of technology use, including data privacy, intellectual property, and the impact of digital footprints. Promoting responsible digital citizenship is key.
• Continuous Innovation: The rapid pace of technological change requires schools to be agile and open to continuous innovation. This means regularly reviewing and updating policies, practices, and technologies to stay relevant and effective.

In conclusion, the new culture of participation and the digital age offer exciting possibilities for transforming education. By embracing these changes and addressing the associated challenges, we can create learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, and effective in preparing students for the future. As educators, it is our responsibility to harness the power of digital tools and participatory practices to enhance learning and foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Every time you hop online you can always find something new to work with. This week I stumbled across the platform of Animaker. Described as “A breakthrough AI-Powered platform to create Animation and Live-Action videos for non-designers & professionals from early-stage startups to seasoned Fortune 500 companies” this amazing piece of technology has the ability to bring any vision to life. You can either chose from a wide range of templates or completely start from scratch the choice is yours! You have the option to create whatever it is you please, whether it is an ad for your company, a celebration you want to share with the world, or an important message you want to share you have the ability to create your story and for it to be shared in a fun and enjoyable way. If you select a premade template, you can still edit words, characters, backgrounds, whatever it may be to put your personal touch on it. you can start from scratch and pick every customization you would like. The best part is you can do all of this while using the free version. Of course, you can pay a little and get some more features, but the free version provides plenty of freedom within the platform. The hub where all the creating is done is clean and neatly organized for maximum outcomes!

Animaker Hub Creator

To get started there are countless tutorial videos to help you along the way, the best part is they are all categorized. There are 8 categories to choose from in the tutorial section: 1. Getting Started (35 videos) 2. Animated Videos (20 videos) 3. Video Editing (9 videos) 4. Managing Teams & Projects (5 videos) 5. Advanced Hacks (19 videos) 6. Animaker for Enterprise (5 videos) 7. Social media tips and tutorials (countless videos) 8. Master tutorials (5 videos). This amazing tutorial page allows the user to get started quickly and efficiently for whatever they choose, and the best part is you can become a master in any category.

Tutorial Page

To get started, you create an account using an email. Once you have your account created, your creating begins! From there you can start with watching some tutorials or you can just hop right into and learn as you go. For myself I chose to look at some premade templates and add a little bit of my own touch to them. I do not find myself as the most creative person but after using this platform I felt like a new person with amazing artistic abilities!  With a free account you are allowed one download a month of whatever you create. Getting an upgraded membership would be needed depending on what your intentions are! Before knowing you only have one download per month I accidentally downloaded a video so I thought I would share it even though it would not be my first choice.  Test Video 

Premade Options for Different Social Media Platforms

Using this tool in the classroom would be great as students have the opportunity to become endlessly creative! Students would be able to watch, learn and create all using this platform and the variety and range would be tremendous. Looking at the levels of SAMR, it would be excellent to use this platform to reach all four levels. Starting with substitution and using it to show your class an informative video. This could move to augmentation through students being able to interact with the informative video and have it playing on their own devices. With modification students would be able to create their own informative videos using templates and the premade options that Animaker has. To finish in redefinition students would have the ability to create from scratch and become visionaries through their creative abilities using all of the platform to its full potential. The really cool part is you can set it up like a Google Doc where you can work on the same project with others or overlook all of the students work from the teacher perspective making sure students are staying on task and are productive.

Working as a Team

I find myself more often than not using technology for personal use rather than academically. Everyday I can find myself using all sorts of social media like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. None of this really have anything to do with academics and are more for my leisure and social interaction use. Although it is more for leisure use, I do use it to interact with people from class as well and discuss things related to academics like due dates for assignments and requirements. I do not lie to myself about because I know I should change my habits for lots of my usage of technology but at the end of the day as long as you find that well balance between personal use and academic use, I believe you will just be fine.

I would not call myself the most organized person but there are a few tools I like to rely on in my daily life. I use an alarm app called Alarmy. This app helps me more than the typical alarm app as it forces me to do three math questions each morning when it goes off. This helps me to wake up a little more and not have the opportunity to just hit the snooze button and go back to sleep. I have found myself being more awake in the mornings from this simple change.

Another app I use almost every day is the reminders app. This acts like an agenda or schedule for myself. Since I find myself on my phone quite a bit when I have something coming up in the reminder app it comes up as a notification in my phone and it is hard for me to miss. Rather than looking through an agenda or calendar each day I know I will get a notification if I have something that day.

I have found ever since Tik Tok became a thing I have found myself on it almost everyday just passing the time. With its personalized algorithms it knows everyday what to show you to keep you scrolling. I find this is the only app that I really find myself wasting time on constantly as more often than not productive videos do not appear on my algorithm with the exception of a few. To help me with this I set a 30-minute time limit on it everyday. This allows me to keep track of the time I spent on the app. With this tool I have found I do not endlessly scroll for hours anymore and waste my time.

With being more aware of how much technology is in our daily lives I have tried working on having that balance. To try and make sure I use technology for academic purposes more than personal use I try and get whatever I need to get done academically first. This helps me to use technology for personal use almost in a rewarding fashion once I finish. For example, once I finish this blog, I am going to reward myself with a little Tik Tok scrolling!