Jenna's ePortfolio

Reference Links

8 Ways Technology Is Improving Education

Technology can close achievement gaps, improve learning

Trends in HR Technology for 2025

The Role of Technology in Human Resource Management

Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence

Amanda Todd

Is Social Media Good for you?

Can AI Transform Education?

Phones And Focus: How To Win The Uphill Battle Of Workplace Distraction

Character Education for the Digital Age

Digital Technology Is A Game Changer For Education Worldwide

The Impact of Digital Inclusion on Social Equity

Study Finds Educators, Students Agree: Technology Has Value

Handwriting? Worth the trouble these days?

Sinead Bovell

Shawn Kanungo

For this debate, Vanessa and I argued that we should continue to teach skills that can be easily carried out by technology.  This debate was never about denying students the opportunity to use technology in the classroom or that old school ways of teaching that are not working anymore should not be changed.  As with many of the debates up to this point, we have seen the benefits of implementing technology, at least to some degree, in the classroom.  There are many great benefits of utilizing technology to improve learning for students.  The debate concerned whether skills such as cursive writing, multiplication tables, and spelling should continue to be taught, not how they are being taught.  Are these skills still relevant in the world that we currently exist in?  Even after the opposing team made their argument, I still believe they are relevant and should be taught.  Is it advantageous to require children to spend excessive amounts of time on rote multiplication drills or memorizing hundreds of words? Probably not.  Such methods are unlikely to be effective or beneficial for their learning.

While it is true, as highlighted by the opposing team, that digital literacy is essential for our children to navigate the modern world, there are still professions like nursing, where strong writing skills are still necessary.  Based on my experience in a multi-generational workplace, I have found that skills sometimes viewed as outdated continue to be essential in today’s work environment.  We need to be able to communicate with individuals from different generations and that requires a diverse skill set.  Furthermore, it remains essential for us to evaluate whether the output generated by the technology is logical and appropriate.  Individuals may underestimate the importance of fundamental skills, particularly when they already possess them and may not realize how much they use them in their daily life.

Both the research and the debate discussions appeared to have a consensus that rote memorization may not be the most effective approach, and that instructing students to memorize words is generally not considered the most beneficial teaching method.  Elizabeth Heubeck discusses the importance of children learning how to spell.  Spelling is imperative for reading and writing, and this blog discusses how phonics can be used as a method for teaching spelling, as an alternative to rote memorization.  In the article, Handwriting? Worth the trouble these days?, it examines how due to an over reliance on technology there are more spelling mistakes and grammar issues that affect the ability to communicate in a clear manner.  Although, there are many benefits to knowing how to keyboard, handwriting is still an essential skill for students to possess.  Cursive writing is associated with improved retention and comprehension, as well as enhanced fine motor skills. Individuals who take notes by hand may recall information more effectively because they paraphrase content rather than transcribing it verbatim.

St Peter’s Preparatory School emphasized that understanding not just answers, but also the reasons and processes behind them, is vital.  Strong multiplication skills can improve cognitive abilities, enhance communication, improve memory, and lessen dependence on technology.  Having a basic understanding of mathematics and the ability to perform calculations mentally can be useful in many everyday situations. The opposing side claims teaching these skills in school uses too much instructional time, but I believe learning basic skills ultimately saves time in real life. Technology is not always fully accurate or reliable, so it is important to have the skills to evaluate and critically assess whether the answers provided by technology are correct.

The opposing side claimed that teaching skills like spelling, cursive writing and multiplication tables is outdated and that teaching digital literacy, like coding, is essential. While technology offers many benefits and children need these skills for future jobs, the issue is not simply one of choosing between the two approaches.  The methods used to teach these skills should evolve beyond simple memorization.  However, this issue pertains to outdated instructional approaches rather than the inherent value of the skills themselves. These are different issues that should be addressed separately.  According to the article provided by the other team, it is noted that the union leader, Ms. Blower, was

“not saying that children should not learn their tables” but she was concerned about “pressing times tables onto children in a way that we don’t think is necessarily helpful, and then saying that schools are failing because they are not necessarily doing the test, not necessarily all achieving the test results at the right time”

This statement refers to the approach used to teach these skills, not to their continued relevance or importance in education.  Technology plays a role in both education and employment, making it important for children to develop digital literacy skills. However, it is also necessary to ensure that learning fundamental skills such as critical thinking and comprehension is not overlooked due to increased dependence on technology.   The article notes that Derek Kelley’s office frequently receives community feedback regarding concerns about technology overuse. In response, efforts are being made to ensure an appropriate balance in students’ use of technology.  It is about balance.  Students should learn digital literacy without sacrificing basic skills like spelling.

In my view, technology has not necessarily resulted in a more equitable society.  However, it has significantly enhanced access to information and education. During the debate, the pro side argued that technology has led to a more equitable society because of its ability to provide access to education and medical services.  Additionally, technology allows individuals who are unable to attend classes in person to participate in learning opportunities.  However, as the opposing side discussed, this has its limitations.  Limited access to technological tools, affordability challenges, and insufficient digital literacy present significant barriers that restrict the capabilities of medical professionals in providing telehealth services, as well as those trying to access education and information.  A few classmates considered how these disparities became increasingly evident during the COVID pandemic, clearly highlighting differences in access to technology among students.  Furthermore, inequalities in the access to the latest technology may intensify existing social status differences.  Katia’s comment regarding the complexity and multiple facets of this issue is a very important argument. Providing universal access to the internet and technology is unlikely to address all challenges.  Fixing these problems requires more than just throwing money at it.  A complete plan that focuses on the underlying issues is crucial, and while money is necessary for implementation, it alone does not resolve the main problem.

Technology offers numerous advantages in supporting individuals with various disabilities, including those related to speech, hearing, and physical abilities, as highlighted in the article Digital Technology Is A Game Changer For Education Worldwide.  Assistive technology offers benefits such as better communication, stronger numeracy skills, increased academic engagement, and greater social inclusion.  It provides access to education for children regardless of their location or abilities.  In the article, 6 Ways the New National Education Technology Plan Could Help Close Achievement Gap, Duncan stated “if the technology revolution only happens for families that already have money and education, then it’s not really a revolution.” This statement highlights reasons why it may not be accurate to claim that technology has resulted in a more equitable society.  Technology has it advantages, but disparities remain. Until these disparities are addressed, technology will still benefit some individuals more than others in society.  Another key point highlighted in the article is the importance for teacher training to support the transition toward integrating technology effectively into classroom practices.

Digital inclusion,  ensuring that everyone has access to technology, is essential if technology will ever lead to a more equitable society.  However, it is essential not only that individuals have access to the technology, but also that they possess the skills required to use it effectively.  In the blog, The Impact of Digital Inclusion on Social Equity, they also reiterate Katia’s sentiments that “the influence of digital inclusion on social equity is significant and complex.”  Technology influences various aspects of our lives, including education, healthcare, and employment. The discussion in their blog highlights that pre-existing societal inequalities are often exacerbated by the digital divide, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups.  They highlight the importance of implementing programs designed to reduce the divide, such as providing affordable internet access. They examine the extent to which internet access and digital skills can impact employment opportunities and participation in training programs.  Based on my professional experience, all positions at our organizations are posted online, and a certain level of digital literacy is required to perform the job effectively.  While many of us have internet access and technology, it is easy to overlook that a digital divide still exists in Canada.  Even in developed countries, older adults with limited digital literacy, people from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford technology, and individuals living in rural regions without reliable internet access illustrate the existence of a digital divide.

As mentioned in a previous blog post, the completion of my master’s degree would not have been possible without the support of technology.  Not living in a larger centre with a university, technology has provided me an equal opportunity to access education.  According to Annie Murphy Paul, the digital divide affects those who are already part of disadvantaged groups not individuals with adequate resources to access and use technology.  In her blog, she discusses how children from different socioeconomic backgrounds use technology in different ways, a concept referred to as the digital Matthew Effect.  Children with greater initial resources tend to gain more benefits from technology compared to those with fewer resources.  Additionally, schools serving underprivileged students are often more likely to use technology for drill like activities rather than fostering engagement through creative projects.  She states,

 If every child has a computer, every child is starting off on equal footing. But though the sameness of the hardware may feel satisfyingly fair, it is superficial.   A computer in the hands of a disadvantaged child is in an important sense not the same thing as a computer in the hands of a child of privilege.

This highlights that achieving equity involves more complexity than simply providing technology to everyone, equal access does not necessarily result in equitable outcomes.  This argument was highlighted by the opposing group during the debate, and I believe it was convincing. Providing universal access to the internet and technology would promote equality, but true equity requires addressing individual needs beyond equal distribution of resources.  If this digital divide is going to be reduced we need large digital companies and policymakers to address these issues.

Prior to this debate, I firmly believed that cell phones should be banned in the classroom. However, after considering the arguments presented during the debates and reviewing literature on both perspectives, I have reconsidered my position and no longer view an absolute ban as necessary.  A balanced approach is required for topics such as this. Discussions regarding these issues should involve educators, parents, and government representatives, rather than being determined solely by governmental authorities.

I had not previously understood the ways in which teachers incorporate cell phones as educational tools. After listening to the debate, I now recognize that implementing an outright ban could pose challenges for educators who rely on this resource in their classrooms.  This issue presents multiple complexities, with no straightforward solution that addresses all perspectives. The lack of explicit guidelines for implementing no cell phone policies, as well as cases where teachers are responsible for confiscated phones, adds further complications.  An aspect, that was brought up in the debate I had not consider is the potential impact of regulating cell phone use on student-teacher relationships.

A notable comment is the suggestion to prohibit cell phone use among staff due to reported issues. This highlights the importance of educating individuals about developing healthy relationships with cell phones.  In the article, Phones and Focus: How To Win The Uphill Battle Of Workplace Distraction, they discuss how 720 hours are lost because of employees being distracted, and smartphones are one of the top distractions. The article also mentions that the average person checks their phone approximately 150 times in a day.  This is an astounding amount of time lost to distraction.

The article also addresses the concept that multi-tasking is a myth, a notion with which many individuals may identify.  Many individuals experience feelings of overwhelm and burnout due to extensive technology usage and the constant challenge of disconnecting from work responsibilities.  Rapid technological advancements have outpaced our ability to adapt effectively. As a result, individuals have not sufficiently developed the skills necessary to engage with technology in a balanced and healthy manner.  This skill must be taught not only to the current generation but also to those responsible for educating them.

I really appreciate how in the article, Character Education for the Digital Age they discuss this idea of one or two lives perspective.  The two lives perspective suggests that children keep their digital experiences outside of school separate from their classroom activities. In contrast, the one life perspective involves integrating technology with schools and educators working to help students understand its impact on their lives.  Jason Ohler the author of the article states, “we must help our digital kids balance the individual empowerment of digital technology use with a sense of personal, community, and global citizens who use technology not only effectively and creatively, but also responsibility and wisely.”

He then discusses the need for character education programs tailored to digital environments and youth.  It is essential to integrate relevant topics, like digital skills, into school curricula, enabling students to develop the skills necessary to navigate these issues within the context of their own lives, as well as providing teachers with training to effectively deliver this type of instruction.  Sadi stated in her argument that the focus should be on regulating, not prohibiting, cell phones in the classroom.  Rather than banning cell phones due to concerns like  bullying that may affect academic performance,  schools should work with students to teach them healthy and responsible ways of using technology.

As we have seen in most of the debates, there are valid arguments supporting both perspectives. Therefore, adopting a balanced approach to cell phone use in the classroom may prove to be the most effective solution.  In the workplace, employees are expected to arrive on time and complete their tasks, responsible cell phones usage is another one of those expectations.  Many workplaces require employees to sign technology policies, and there are typically consequences for not adhering to company policies. This further emphasizes the importance of educating students on the responsible use of technology, including cell phones.

While I agree with John Spencer that we cannot predict how AI will change education, it has the potential to do so.  AI will influence education, but whether it will be for good, both good and bad, or a bit of both, remains to be seen.  As with any new technology, it is likely that the latter will be the case.  As the debaters point out, there is already an argument for both sides.  Many great points were made in the debate that AI could be used to adapt learning, create assignments and tests, and really be utilized to assist teachers in the classroom.  However, as discussed in the debate there are concerns that the spread of false information could influence learning, AI could affect the development of critical thinking skills, and it may require teachers to spend additional time monitoring for academic dishonesty.  At this point, I agree that AI is here to stay. We need to figure out how to embrace and use it responsibly.  It will be extremely challenging to completely avoid AI, no matter how hard one tries.  Change is inevitable in all aspects of life, we need to be able to adapt to changes, and I do think that the classroom is a great place for students to learn how to be adaptable.  When employed in a responsible manner, AI has significant potential to alter the field of education.

The question he poses, “Will AI replace me?” is one I have heard frequently across different industries, even in my field of human resources.  It is a common and relevant question that people often ask. It would be unusual if questions such as this were not asked.  The unknowns surrounding AI may be scary, particularly given that this technology is changing rapidly. This may be especially true for individuals who did not grow up with this technology.  My children adapt easily to technological changes, likely because they have grown up with technology and are comfortable using it.  They seem to embrace the changes in a way that I find more challenging.  John Spencer notes that although change is certain, we have no way of predicting what the changes will be and will most likely not be what we expect.  What distinguishes humans from AI is our unique capacity to relate to others in ways that AI may never fully replicate.  John Spencer discusses the importance of empowering children within their educational journeys, enabling them to develop fundamental skills for navigating the world effectively.

To enable AI to transform education, it is essential to carefully consider its potential challenges and disadvantages, as is the case with most emerging technologies. In the video, Bad science: AI used to target kids with disinformation on YouTube, they discuss, what I think is one of the biggest challenges with AI in its ability to create and spread misinformation.  The need for stronger regulations on platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram is very evident from this video.  This raises significant ethical concerns when YouTube and Google are benefiting financially from creators that are creating and sharing false information.  At the very least, disclosures should be required at the beginning of such videos to inform viewers if the content contains unverified or inaccurate information.  I hope that over time, and as the government regulatory bodies adapt to advancements in technology, effective measures will be implemented to address and mitigate the spread of misinformation.

However, I do think it is necessary to ensure that measures are effective and researched and not just banning technology.  I wonder if banning AI tools such as ChatGPT in schools may be the result of not knowing any alternative approaches to addressing the use of AI.  The article in The Guardian mentions that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are hindered with the use of AI, yet they allow access when they are teaching technology-related education.  This approach seems counterproductive.  As discussed in this article, designing assignments such as having students produce videos may be an effective strategy to verify understanding instead of banning technology like AI.

AI holds significant potential to change education, provided that careful attention is given to equity, inclusion, privacy, and the ethical integration of AI technologies within the classroom setting.  The integration of AI offers vast opportunities, particularly in expanding access to education.  AI has the ability create personalized learning for individuals, provide training and information to educators that allow them to be successful teachers, as well as create educational content and tools for assessments.  AI can support these activities in multiple languages, making learning more available to a wider audience.

AI is transforming both educational practices within classrooms and the ways individuals engage in their professional roles.  AI offers significant opportunities to enhance my work, especially in areas I am still learning about, but I recognize the potential to benefit employee learning and development.  However, as demonstrated by the Air Canada case where their chatbot provided incorrect information to customers, it is important to implement AI carefully and with a comprehensive understanding of both its advantages and potential limitations. In conclusion, to respond to John Spencer’s question regarding whether AI will replace him, Shawn Kanungo states, “this isn’t about job elimination; it’s about capability expansion.”

Compared to topic 1, I find this debate to be much more complex when trying to determine a position. Even adults struggle with social media, so expecting children to manage it in a healthy, balanced way seems unrealistic.  Nevertheless, I appreciate that it allows people to connect with family and friends in ways that were previously not possible.  I think of childhood friends that I lost contact with and wonder if these relationships might have been maintained had this technology been available during my youth.  Both sides of the debate made some very valid points.  From the agree side perspective that social media is designed to be addictive, it is evident that children spend less time playing outside.  As well, the identities of children have become so intertwined with their presence on social media.  From the disagree perspective, social media is not necessarily ruining childhood, and it is important for parents to model healthy digital habits.  Additionally, the fact that children’s experiences are different from previous generations does not inherently make it negative.

          As a parent, it is concerning to hear reports such as the case of Amanda Todd, who died by suicide following experiences of online bullying. Incidents like these, which are frequently covered by the media, can contribute to the perception that social media is negatively impacting childhood.  The story of Madison Holleran, who died by suicide after facing mental health struggles in university, highlights that social media posts may not accurately represent their real life. It is important to mention that while individuals are aware the content they share online does not fully reflect their lives, they often find it challenging to maintain this perspective when engaging with social media as consumers.  Although social media may have contributed to Madison’s mental health challenges, her family decided to use Facebook to share her story. This reflects the complex nature of social media platforms.

I agree that it is the responsibility of parents to model and teach healthy digital habits, as well as safe social media usage, to their children. However, I am concerned about children who lack adults in their lives to provide this guidance. Although parents may actively oversee their children’s social media activities, certain negative aspects of these platforms can still go unnoticed.  It may be advantageous for more in-depth instruction on social media to happen within the school setting.  As well, maybe government regulation will be key in helping protect children from the harms of social media.  I do think the solution will have to be a multifaceted approach.  Research indicates there may be a link between high levels of social media use and factors such as depression and mental health, especially in younger children.  In the article, Whatever Happened to Childhood?, they discuss how marketing targets younger children to dress and act like teenagers.  Children are exposed to a significant amount of marketing on social media. I recall this concern arising in my own childhood, particularly regarding commercials on television that specifically targeted young audiences.  While waiting in line at the grocery store with my mother, I would notice images of beautiful, flawless women featured on magazine covers.  Back then, I did not realize how much editing went into those images. Now that everyone has access to similar filters on social media, it is easier to see how unrealistic those appearances are.  However, as with Madison’sstory, many people struggle to recognize this.

          As discussed in the book review, The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness?, argues that there is no measurable association between well-being of children and start of social media and that mental health issues are a much more complex problem.  One positive she noted was that younger people are talking about their struggles, but we lack resources to help support people with mental health issues. She mentions that while social media is not solely responsible for youth mental health issues, reforms are needed due to the significant time children spend on these platforms.

          Social media offers several important benefits, such as initiatives like the Buddy project, that connects individuals with similar interests to foster support and help in suicide prevention.  It also offers a way to connect with people who struggle with similar issues like eating disorders or cancer diagnoses.  For example, I know of an individual who created a private Facebook page for close friends and family to document their journey with cancer, providing an efficient way to keep loved ones informed.  Additionally, social media is a powerful tool for social movements to help create change, as well as, encouraging people to donate money or blood.  While it is important to acknowledge the negative aspects of social media, there are also notable benefits. Understanding the pros and cons of social media are essential for an informed understanding and discussion.

            As we approached this past week’s debate regarding the impact of technology in the classroom, I maintain that despite certain challenges, technology can be effectively leveraged to support and improve learning outcomes.  Technology plays a vital role in fostering digital literacy essential for workforce readiness, enhancing critical thinking skills, providing access to information and education globally, and accommodating diverse learning styles.  While acknowledging the valid concerns raised by the opposing side—such as limited access to technology, potential distractions, and challenges relating to cost and time in both classroom and workplace settings—I maintain that the advantages of technology ultimately outweigh these disadvantages in this debate.

          The article by Kessler, 8 Ways Technology is Improving Education, discusses how technology enables learners to study languages with native speakers, which can provide certain advantages.  The accessibility of expertise in specialized fields represents a significant benefit offered by modern technology.  My son, who is twelve, and a French immersion student, enjoys learning language.  However, in his school French is the only additional language they offer.  Through the benefit of technology, he has been utilizing the platform Duolingo to teach himself German.  The accessibility of information and education provided by technology has enabled me to pursue my Master’s degree. Residing in a rural area where in-person graduate programs are unavailable, I have greatly benefited from the opportunities that technology provides. Balancing family commitments and a career, relocation for further studies was not feasible.  Online education has made advanced learning possible for me.

Technology provides diverse options in both K-12 and higher education, enabling multiple modes of learning that engage all the senses and foster inclusivity. Recognizing that not all students excel in written assessments, offering opportunities to demonstrate their understanding through technology-based projects promotes a more equitable evaluation of student learning.  Engaging multi-senses when learning is helpful for students.  Platforms that offer text-to-speech and e-books, such as Speechify and Bookshelf, allow for students with diverse learning needs to tailor their educational experiences.  While, as Kessler mentions, the full potential of e-books may not yet have been achieved, they offer numerous advantages. For example, users can conveniently access word definitions or enhance their understanding of concepts with a simple click. Not everyone likes using technology, but it is a reality we must adapt to and learn to use effectively. If technology enables people to learn by accessing information in ways that suit them, that is valuable.  Another way technology may enhanced learning in education is by enabling individuals to learn at their own pace and learn about topics that interest th

          It is essential to acknowledge certain disadvantages associated with the use of technology in the classroom, as no tool is entirely positive or negative.  Technology should be used intentionally in education, serving as a tool to support learning rather than replacing teachers in the classroom, especially with at-risks students.  As mentioned in the debate and in the article, Technology can close achievement gaps, improve learning, it is apparent that the lack of access to technology is a challenge not only for schools but at home.  Also, there could be some learning disadvantages as discussed in the article Attention, Students: Put Your Laptops Away.   They argued that handwritten note taking may be more beneficial for learning and conceptual application than when typing notes.

          The blog 7 Proven Ways Classroom Technology Improves Student Learning Outcomes  discusses some concepts that become very important when moving students from the classroom to the workplace.  It is important for employees to know how to use technology in the workplace, as well as to be able to adapt to changes.  The blog also discusses how technology is essential for collaboration and communication.  In my workplace, platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom play a crucial role in daily operations. As a multi-location organization, it is essential that our staff effectively utilizes these tools to facilitate communication and collaboration.  From a Human Resources perspective, technology allows us to be more efficient and effective with our tasks.  Tasks like interviewing candidates and maintaining electronic personnel files become much more efficient when utilizing technology.  The ability to search for a document electronically within an employee’s file significantly increases productivity compared to manually sorting through papers.  Technology enables remote work, provides office-based personalized training, and accommodates diverse staff needs.

In my current role in Human Resources, technology plays a significant part in my daily activities, as I spend most of my workday engaged with tasks on my computer.  I utilize a variety of digital platforms to coordinate tasks and manage documentation, relying heavily on Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. Communication across our multiple locations is primarily facilitated through Teams, utilizing both text and video calls to ensure effective collaboration.  Upon arriving at work, I begin by reviewing my email and Teams messages to identify any urgent issues that require immediate attention.  The daily responsibilities on my desk are diverse; at present, the primary focus is on finalizing hiring plans, conducting interviews, and ensuring timely distribution of contracts to instructors.

While in-person interviews are preferred, they are not always possible.  Given our six locations and the challenges presented by Saskatchewan’s weather (especially in the winter), we utilize platforms such as Teams and Zoom to conduct virtual interviews when geographic distance or scheduling concerns make in-person meetings impractical.

From an academic standpoint, I utilize various learning tools—including e-books, Canva, Word, and PowerPoint—to support my graduate coursework. Technological advancements have significantly evolved since I completed my undergraduate studies. E-textbooks, which are now widely accessible, were not available at that time. Upon enrolling in my first course and discovering that printed copies of the textbook were unavailable for purchase, I was taken by surprise.  This course will further develop my technological competencies and broaden my knowledge in this area.  Although blogging is a new experience for me, I am eager to gain valuable knowledge related to technology throughout this course.