Summary of Learning

I present to you my EDTC 300 Summary of Learning video! I decided to incorporate what I learned from my learning project as the visual component (cookie decorating). I used my phone to film and iMovie to edit. The script can be found below the video. Enjoy!

Hi, I’m Mikaela and this is my EDTC 300 Summary of Learning. Although EDTC 300 is the last class that I am taking for my undergraduate degree, it was my first web-delivered class. Since this class was all online, our bi-weekly meetings were done through Zoom, an online video conferencing tool. I found that these Zoom meetings helped me with my learning as we were able to learn synchronously by meeting face-to-face, allowing us to share ideas and collaborate in breakout sessions.

However, a lot of asynchronous learning happened in this class, as well. An example of a tool that allowed for us to learn, share ideas, and collaborate asynchronously was Twitter. Prior to this class, I would never have thought to use Twitter as a professional learning tool, yet here I am. Through Twitter, I was able to expand my Personal Learning Network, also known as a PLN by engaging with my peers, educators from near and far, and participating in Twitter chats. I learned through this experience that developing a PLN is a great way for individuals to find people from across the globe who share similar interests to collaborate with and create a supportive community. I even found an online community called Cookie Connection to expand my PLN and support me in my own learning project, in which I learned how to do cookie decorating.

Another way that we shared our ideas, engaged with each other, and collaborated in this class was through our blogs. Although I already had an ePortfolio created prior to this class, this class taught me ways to improve and expand it. I added more resources, lesson and unit plans, and even changed my layout a little bit. Something I appreciated the most with blogging were the comments I received from my peers. I found these comments fulfilling to read, as they always offered words of encouragement. In addition, I also found that the assigned blog prompts really allowed us to deepen our thinking on the topics discussed in class.

One of the topics we learned about was the impact of our digital footprints. We learned that as future educators, it isn’t enough to be aware of how we are perceived in the outside world, we must also be aware of our digital presence, also known as our digital identities. To better understand our digital identities, we engaged in an activity called cybersleuthing, where we were tasked with creeping on or cyber stalking one of our peers. Through this activity, we were able to see how much of our information is actually in the digital realm, emphasizing the importance of being aware of what we post as it impacts how others see us – this includes potential employers, coworkers, students, and parents of students. We also discussed social activism on social media and how this affects our digital identities. I learned that as a future educator, I have the responsibility to model active citizenship and anti-oppressive education even outside of the classroom – this includes in digital spaces. However, I believe that before doing this, it is important to be well-informed, aware of our own biases and privileges, and to be open to constructive criticism.

Furthermore, we learned that we must also help our students gain awareness of their own digital identities. In doing so, we teach students digital citizenship, which refers to using technology in a responsible and safe way. When students practice digital citizenship, they develop digital literacy. Prior to this class, I always believed that because children today are growing up in such a technology saturated society, that they are automatically digitally literate. However, I learned that just because a child knows how to operate a  device, does not mean they are digitally literate, as they have yet to develop an understanding of online etiquette and learn how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly. This can start off as simple as identifying fake news or by gaining an understanding of what is considered appropriate or inappropriate to post.

Another thought provoking topic we engaged in was the discussion on what the future of education might look like. During this unique time with the Covid-19 pandemic, we can definitely see how big of a role technology plays in society. However, we all agreed that human interaction is essential in the learning and development of our students. Although this was the agreement, we also agreed that technology does play an important role in education, but it is also important to know and understand the SAMR model in order to better incorporate technology in the classroom. With that being said, throughout this course, we had the chance to learn about and engage with several tools and resources that can help us in reaching redefinition (or the R) in the SAMR model, allowing students to see their own potential and power in using technology. One of these tools included coding. In this course, I had the chance to try coding and be able to experience, hands-on, the benefits coding has to offer.

Overall, I believe that this course has deepened my understanding of technology, the role that technology plays in and outside of the classroom, the impacts it has on society and on us as individuals, and most importantly, the importance of understanding that technology is always evolving and that we must commit to be lifelong learners that continue to grow, learn, and explore in order to make the best out of it.