In my future classroom I would ensure respect is at the forefront of the students digital footprint. Communicating the impacts and potential consequences are of disrespectful digital behavior is essential in fostering a holistic environment for students. I think the antidote is education on the matter as this can be a concept overlooked by many. In fostering an educational environment of such a crucial topic, I believe students will be able to recognize the harsh reality of the digitized world. Moreover, as utilized in this class, I recall Dr. Katia covering some of the terms of certain social media apps. I thought this information to be extremely vital as a student as it was an eye-opener for me. The revisions of certain terms of service for specific apps made me realize that there is so much that I was unaware. This goes back to what was mentioned in the policy guide on page 18. It suggests that educators should also stay aware of digital policies to help set boundaries and create awareness.

Moreover, along with awareness of digital policies, I would ensure students are educated regarding the legal aspects of social media. Although I recognize that such scenarios of legal disputes arising from social media is rare, nevertheless the scenario does occur and create a massive impact on a students life. This is especially important when it comes to the use of school-owned property. As mentioned on page 19, the school must consider how to deal with violations of digital policy on their property.

With all this being said, I want to recognize the importance of using digital devices in the classroom. Digital devices are the result of the new digital world where information technology is at the forefront of the world. It is possible that students would like to use in technologies from home in order to foster a higher learning environment. This is a contested issue and my opinion on the matter is undecided. However, oxford learning states many benefits of devices such as enhancement in time management, organization, and others. They also mention cons and one of them is the issue of being a distraction in learning due to potential phone addictions. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education recently shifted their policies and made an ban on personal devices. These are the two varying approaches on the matter and is something which I think will be an everlasting issue.

In terms of reflecting on our changed world and new realities of the digital landscape, I think that there is a much needed shift in how we approach our classrooms. The traditional way of teaching where a teacher is required to be in person with students are slowly fading away. As a matter of fact this class is a clear manifestation of that. In Welsh’s video, we see the phenomenon of “Numa Numa” where we see a normal individual expressing himself and becoming an icon. This really sheds light onto the dynamics of where inspiration and veneration comes into play. The digital platform to give such power and influence is the new reality in today’s world which students are engaging with on a day to day basis. TikTok is a major platform which has become a giant in engaging the youth. This resource describes the TikTok usage numbers across the world. The results are quite eye-opening and begs to question our current model of teaching. If we know that our students are using such apps to have “fun”, why can’t we bring such apps into the classroom and develop playful learning. What I mean by playful learning is to have students create and learn meaningful education via these apps. I believe that the time have changed and the need to accept such resources are required. This is how I see the classroom changing and the future of education.

For this blog, I am required to speak about how I use technology in my day to day life. I realized that technology UNFORTUNATELY takes up most of my day. I tend to have alot of free time nowadays due to less course load this semester. As a result, my desire to go on social media takes over. I spend alot of my time on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. I would say that I spent 0% of productive time on TikTok. What I mean my productive time is time allocated to academic pursuits or financial pursuits. All my time on TikTok goes to leisure and mindless scrolling. Furthermore, Instagram is a source I mostly spend on leisure however perhaps 20% of my time goes into productivity. Sometimes I would follow pages which would help me academically such as essay writing techniques and/or math equations. Instagram reels play an important role in this regard.  When it comes to YouTube, I would say that I spend the least amount of time on YouTube. The interesting fact is that I spend 80% of my time on YouTube in productivity. I would watch “how to” videos when dealing with academic concepts. I would watch financial advice videos to help me become more of a responsible adult. Essentially, all of these apps cause me to mostly spend in leisure time rather than productivity.

In terms of websites, I would have to say that Google is the website I use on a regular basis. I use google 100% for productivity. I can not even recall of a time where I used google for leisure. That being said, there are many apps linked to google which enables me to be organized and productive. I utilized Gmail as my main source of email communication and Google calendar to plan events/coursework. I find that using Google calendar is a great way to manage my time as it keeps on giving me reminders. As a forgetful person, this is crucial for me as it keeps popping up on my phone notifications.

As mentioned earlier, TikTok and Instagram are apps that I use the most and tend to take away my productivity. There aren’t many strategies I have been able to produce as I lack alot of self-discipline and self control. It is even possible that I have a phone addiction and so I am really hurting in this regard. In the rarity, when I do get some inspiration to  refrain from social media, I try to get more hobbies in my life. Currently, I am focusing on exercising regularly. Time spend exercising means less time on social media.

Finally, the way where I am most able to strike a balance from productive screen time and unproductive screen time is through the use of a laptop. When I use my phone, I loose control and waste time. When I use my laptop, it is always used for productive pursuits. Hence, the tools for using technology serves best for me in this regard.

Hello,

My name is Hanzalah and I am from Toronto. I was born and raised in Toronto in a small Borough known as York, Toronto. I am currently in my final Year of the BEd Middle Years program. Teaching has always been my passion and a sense of purpose throughout my life. During my high school years, I found myself serving as an educational assistant for cooperative education credits. I worked alongside teachers to support deaf and hard of hearing students by engaging in playful learning to meet curricular outcomes. After this experience, I began my university journey and occupied myself in coursework to fulfill my BEd degree. In January 2024, I was given the opportunity to take part in the teaching internship (Co-op) as part of my BEd degree requirements. In this instance, I got my first taste of what it is like to be a teacher. I developed lesson plans, utilized various instructional strategies and forms of student assessment. Classroom management played an integral role in ensuring structure in my classroom. In summer 2024 I landed a substitute teaching position for a summer camp program where I was able to further amplify my teaching skills. 

As far as my experience with educational technology goes, it is in the beginning stages. I think I have never found myself working in educational technology and I believe this is the first time I am taking a course relating to this.

Blogging is something I have never done in my life as well and this will be the first time I will be regularly blogging. As a result, I will most likely be a shy blogger and hesitant in sharing. I look forward to this course as it will really open up a lot of things about me and my identity.

(Masjid-El-Noor, where I worked as a substitute teacher)