Over the past semester, I’ve dived into the fascinating world of educational technology through EC&I 832, exploring how AI, digital citizenship, and media literacy intersect in today’s classrooms. My journey has been filled with insights, thought-provoking discussions, and plenty of “aha” moments.
Key highlights included Dave Cormier’s perspective on Generative AI—not as a problem, but as a symptom of the abundance of information online—and Mike Ribble’s 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship, a comprehensive framework that teaches students to navigate the digital world responsibly. Both speakers challenged me to rethink how we approach technology in education.
I also reflected on Chris Kennedy’s innovative use of AI in West Vancouver schools, demonstrating how we can purposefully integrate these tools to empower both teachers and students. Meanwhile, discussions on VR and its potential in education left me questioning its practicality in K-12 settings—does every tool belong in every classroom?
Throughout this course, I embraced AI as a collaborator in my learning. Tools like ChatGPT didn’t replace my voice but enhanced it, helping me brainstorm, refine, and organize my ideas. It was a reminder that technology is a tool to amplify, not replace, human creativity and critical thinking.
The big takeaway? The future of education isn’t about flashy tech or trendy gadgets—it’s about teaching students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully in a world that’s increasingly digital.
To see my full reflections and journey, check out my Summary of Learning video below:
One Comment
chris brennan
Wow! That was great! I liked your format and the visual appeal. It is an interesting concept to think of chatgpt as enhancing one’s voice, and not replacing it. I will have to give more thought to this over Christmas break when I have more brain power. Your posts all semester were very engaging and easy to follow, and I was so intrigued by how you utilized ChatGPT in that process, regardless, it was great! All the best in the rest of your master’s program!!