• For this week’s post I decided to check out chat gpt. Chat Gpt is something I haven’t really used but I have heard my friends talk about it. To be honest I’m scared of chat gpt because everytime i think about using it, I think I might get caught for plagiarism. Which is a weird thought because I don’t even have to use chat gpt for school and I know what plagiarism is. Though i think chat gpt is a useful tool that can be used . . . sometimes. 
• I think chat gpt can be used in personalized learning when students are having a hard time coming up with ideas for their work. When I was EA in a classroom I was working with a student, who had trouble thinking of ideas for his creative writing assignment. I had to push him to come up with ideas and now that I’m thinking about how to use chat gpt in a classroom setting, it might actually help some students. I’m NOT saying that they should copy and paste their whole assignment but look at the ideas chat gpt gives them. This student’s assignment was to create a story about something they liked, this student chose baseball. 
• I just looked up – what is baseball and chat gpt gave me a list of information about what baseball is. I think this student could read this information and get ideas for the assignment. 
• When using AI in a classroom setting and letting students explore some of the site I think it is important to express the dangers and what plagiarism is. Being taught how to use AI is something that I think needs to be taught because of how many different AI tools there are right now and might be in the future. When used thoughtfully, AI can be a powerful tool in creating a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic learning environment. AI can be used with new English learners or even can be used for personalized learning.

• As EDTC 300 is coming to the end, there were a few ways I contributed to the learning of others. In the beginning of the year I didn’t really know how to comment on other students’ posts. Before this class I hated commenting on other peoples posts or even on social media. I learnt throughout the semester that commenting and helping others out is ok or could be encouraged. By other people commenting on my post, I felt like they helped me and encouraged me to continue throughout the semester. I liked reading my classmates’ posts because it helped to learn their struggles and I found out that some of their struggles were the same as mine. 
• I often noticed I was going back to some people’s posts to see their progress. I often checked the other people’s posts that were crocheting or knitting because they were the most like mine. I also liked to check out the cooking or baking posts because they gave me ideas on what I should make for lunch or dinner! Last year I actually started baking with a sourdough starter so I actually knew what that person was making. I have commented once or twice because I know how tricky making anything from a sourdough starter is.
• When looking for comments on my post on Edusites I realized I could see comments on my posts. I liked seeing all of the comments and what others had to say about what I posted. I knew I took all their comments into consideration and I hope they did the same when I commented on their posts.
• I didn’t really comment much on discord because I found it hard to keep open there source and keep checking on the conversation with all my other classes going on too. I did go and read the conversations and sometimes that helped me. 
• I also liked reading some people’s posts to get inspiration for some of my posts for my learning posts or the assigned posts. Some helped me when I wasn’t sure what one question was asking or if I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in for my learning post. I owe a lot of thanks to my classmates for helping me throughout the semester. 

• I decided to learn about the website Hour of Code and do one of the activities on the site.  I chose to do the flappy bird one because it was popular when I was a kid and I was intrigued by it. My friends and I used to play it all the time and we used to play together. I remember on the flappy bird app I had a really high score and used to compare my high score to my friends. I also chose it because it said it was for grade 2 and that the age groups I would like to teach.

  

• When I clicked on the game I was a little confused. I will admit to myself and to my readers that I’m not the best with technology. There was a video to help which I liked. The instructions on the top of the page also helped me. At one point in the game or code I was a little lost and asked for a hint. It gave me clear instructions on what to do.

  

• For the most part it taught me how to “flap” when I clicked and how to code the end of the game. I have never thought that every step of the game may need a certain instruction like how the game ends. It even has a code for gravity, which I thought was cool because it made the game a little harder.  This is how it mimics the real world, where things don’t just float unless something is keeping them up. They learn important aspects of the real world with this game too. 
• At the end of the activity I even got to create my own game and explore different options. I used a different character and changed the setting to a different time of the day. I chose to make the setting underwater and have the character to be a submarine. I liked being able to create my own game. If I wanted I could have even changed the point system to be different.

  

• This website would be good for students because it teaches them how every little move in the game is part of a code. You need code to flap and to end the game. It will help them work on their computer skills and deeper thinking skills. A game like that can be a fun and engaging way for students to learn coding concepts.  it could help them develop problem-solving skills as they figure out how to make the game behave the way they want through code.
• In a grade 2 classroom, I’m not sure if this would be the first activity that I would introduce to the class. I think I would do an easier activity together to help the class warm up to coding. I found this activity that I think would be fun to do altogether as a class. This is basically trying to the finish line with a certain amount of steps. You press one simple button to move the cat.

  

• Learning code in schools is increasingly important for several reasons, and it can offer many benefits to students. Coding allows students to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life like with the flappy bird game. Coding is a great way to practice collaboration and teamwork in a modern context.  I realize now that coding is not just a career skill,  it’s a way to enhance the way students think and interact with the world around them. The world is depending more and more on technology. 

 

• The grades I would like to teach are anywhere from grades 1 to 5. It might be hard to teach the younger grades about being safe when using technology but in today’s world the age of children using the internet is getting younger. It is important to educate and teach them the dangers of the internet like fake news and cyberbullying. I believe by teaching students the basics like what bullying is and how bad it can be, this can lead to cyberbullying.  By learning how to protect their privacy, recognize misinformation, and practice healthy tech habits, students can navigate the online world responsibly. This education empowers them to make informed decisions, avoid potential dangers, and maintain their mental and emotional health in a digital age. I think it’s also a good idea to have posters highlighting the dangers of fake news or even just the internet. 
• There is a poster example of this site

What is fake news?

• Fake news is false or misleading information.It can come in many forms, such as fabricated stories, manipulated images, or misleading headlines, often designed to promote a particular agenda, generate clicks, or provoke strong emotions. Fake news is typically spread through social media, websites, and sometimes traditional media outlets.
• It’s also important to teach students about why they may fall for fake news and this site can tell you all about it. Some of the reasons include lower attention spans and how fake news stories can appeal to our emotions

What might it look like to teach about digital literacy in your subject area/grade range?

• • In grade 4, in the health unit there are some indicators and outcomes about cyber safety. Instead of scaring students, I think educating them about the internet is much more effective. Warning them about the dangers of social media and the internet can be made to be fun but serious. In the  Lesson Plan: Fighting Fake News By Rachel Roberson there is a writing prompt “What are potential consequences when fake news goes viral? Do you think you could spot fake news or would you be fooled? Why or why not?” which is a great way to make students think about fake news. 

 

 

When looking my name up on google I was shocked to see that you could see some of my social media accounts like Instagram and Pinterest. I also saw some old sports results from my high school years and surprisingly my name was mentioned in a local newspaper that I didn’t even know about. When I found my Pinterest account I was reminded that something does stay on the interest for a long time. That account I would have made when I was around eleven or twelve, I don’t even remember making it. When looking me up I was reminded that anyone could find my instagram account or even probably my facebook too. I have never looked up myself before but I can see the digital footprint I have online. 

Cyber-shaming is a heavy topic because of how unforgiving the internet is. I can see both sides when it comes to cyber-shaming because of certain reasons. If an account has posted many racist posts and has not learned my some comments should be made to try to educate people behind the screen. I believe that two wrongs don’t make a right. I think more people should try to educate the public instead of immediately accusing. 

By educating young people about the effects of cyber-shaming or cyber bullying it can help people realize how their words on the internet might be hurtful. “The ugly thing about cyber-bullying is the emergence of  the internet and social media coupled with mobility through smartphones. The more we progress with technology, the more we have easy access to information.” This quote from The “good”, the bad and the ugly is an example on how we need to educate students to protect their privacy and how saying bad things on the internet is bullying. 

• How do you plan to approach digital citizenship in your future (or current) classroom? – Digital citizenship is a topic that is growing. Digital citizenship should be taught within a classroom setting because it’s important for children to know how to interact with social media and the internet. I believe that teaching Digital citizenship shouldnt be scary but also should teach about the serious issues that students could be faced when online. In the article “Character Education for the Digital Age” it says that talking about technology will help students within their own lives. 
• “the “one life” perspective says the opposite, that it is precisely our job as educators to help students live one, integrated life, by inviting them to not only use their technology at school, but also talk about it within the greater context of community and society.”
• Technology is always growing and my personal opinion is that there is no use avoiding it. Technology is all around us and now will always be. As teachers we might as well teach kids how to use technology properly and respectfully. 

• The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship and How to Teach Them in a Classroom Setting
• The Nine Themes of Digital Citizenship are designed to lead and assist others in building positive digital experiences while recognizing that actions have consequences to others. The nine elements are:

• Digital Etiquette 

• Digital Access

• Digital Law

• Digital Communication & Collaboration 

• Digital Literacy 

• Digital Commerce 

• Digital Rights & Responsibilities

• Digital Safety & Security

• Digital Health & Wellness 

• Depending on what grade you teach these nine themes, there are many different ways one might consider how to teach. While talking about sensitive topics, teachers may want to approach these topics with caution but ultimately need to be talked and educated about. Some topics should be fun, not everything is scary and some things can be entertaining. Students should know the basic working of technology and the internet. Digital Citizenship Continuum from kindergarten to grade 12 has some understanding for each grade that is important for students to know and understand.

• Michael Wesh’s YouTube lecture was an interesting watch, he talks about the “Numa Numa” trend and it wasn’t a negative thing. I have heard alot of negative comments about youtube or just the internet in general. It was nice to hear Michael Wesh’s perspective and how the internet could have a positive impact. 
• With the active participation in our digital world I think as teachers we need to accept that the use of technology in a classroom is going to happen. Like how in Michael Wesh’s YouTube lecture he explains how “trends” can spread fast and how “trends” can travel all over the world. I think that schools need to teach how to use technology and social media in schools because it is a big part of our society. Like The Sextortion of Amanda Todd video we watched last week, we need to educate the youth on the dangers of social media and how to use the apps in the right way. I also believe in teaching students what they might need to get jobs or what skills they may need later in life. Most jobs require technology and our students will be the future of our society, it makes sense to teach them skills they might need.
• There are alot of opportunities to add technology to school work and it can be fun! Integrating technology into schoolwork not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students develop essential digital skills. There are a lot of learning resources that are online that help everyone out. Teaching new technologies in school is important but also teaching non-technologies subjects are as important. 
• Do you think that teaching students about is as important as non-technology/social media subjects?

• Technology is something that is a big part of my life. I don’t think I have ever thought about how much I rely on technology. I think this is relatable for many people, especially students like myself. I use my laptop for notes during all my classes and sometimes I use my phone to access class readings. In my personal life I rely on my phone for a lot of things. I use my phone to communicate with friends and family, I use my phone for directions on how to get around the city, I even use my phone as an alarm clock for when I need to go to school. 
• I’m now just realizing that technology may be a distraction in my life. There are many times where I have gone on my phone instead of working on homework or even cleaning my room/living space. I think my phone has made me lazy in my personal life and academic life
•  In my daily life I use many apps like snapchat, facebook, instagram and tik toc. I mostly use these apps for entertainment and communication with friends and family. Though I don’t really share my life through these apps with the general public. I use some apps for academic purposes like google docs and chrome. For school most of my work is done on my computer on online platforms to take notes and complete assignments for my classes. My main source for school work is google docs. I like this online site because it is easy to create documents. Google Docs also allows me to access my documents from different devices which I find handy just in case I need to login to access my document from a friend’s device.
• To balance my screen time for academic purposes and personal well-being I usually set certain times to work on homework. I work on homework in the afternoons. I will admit though I’m not always focused on my schoolwork and often pick up my phone to go on social media. This got me thinking that I might have some boundaries when it comes to my academics. I think that if I put my phone in another room while I work I might be more productive. 
• When thinking about my daily routines with technology I realize that I use technology in almost every aspect of my life. Technology does help me with my school work and with entertainment when I’m not busy.