Tomorrow, we’re set to dive into some thought-provoking discussions with Jennifer Casa-Todd, a digital media expert and author, and Taylor Zerr, who will be sharing insights on social media, AI, and digital ethics in education. As technology becomes more embedded in the classroom, these topics have never been more relevant. Before we meet our speakers, let’s explore some of the key content and questions around AI, social media, and the ethical considerations they bring into education. The Ethical Dilemma of AI: Friend, Foe, or Something In-Between? Marzia A. Coltri’s article, “The Ethical Dilemma with OpenAI ChatGPT: Is it Right or Wrong to Prohibit it?” gives us a deep dive into…
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Fake News, Deepfakes, and Digital Literacy: Teaching Students to Be Savvy Surfers in the Information Age
In today’s digital jungle, “seeing is believing” just doesn’t cut it anymore. Between fake news, deepfakes, and filter bubbles, today’s students need to be more than just internet-savvy—they need full-blown digital literacy superpowers! Thankfully, digital literacy isn’t just a lesson—it’s a survival skill, and Mike Ribble’s 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship provide a brilliant framework to help students navigate this information maze. Here’s how we’re using Ribble’s elements to teach students to separate fact from fiction in the world of misinformation. The Deepfake Dilemma: Questioning What We See and Hear In the video Can We Still Trust What We See and Hear?, students are introduced to the complex world of…
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Mirror, Mirror, On My Feed: Exploring Identity in a Digital World
Who Are We Online? A Look at Identity and Digital Personas As we navigate the world of social media and online platforms, a fascinating question arises: Who am I, really, in the digital world? Khalil Liouane explores this concept of digital identity, suggesting that our online personas often reflect fragmented versions of ourselves. Instead of a single, cohesive identity, we become a series of digital personas, each tailored to fit the unique social and cultural dynamics of the platforms we use. For instance, we might be highly professional on LinkedIn, more casual and creative on Instagram, and unfiltered on Twitter. Liouane suggests that these “fragments” are neither false nor fake;…
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Digital Citizenship 101: Teaching Kids to Tread Lightly in the Wild, Wild Web
Teaching digital citizenship is a bit like prepping students for a jungle trek—except instead of vines and monkeys, they’re dodging clickbait, trolls, and endless ads for things they’ll regret buying. Whether you’re helping kindergartners figure out the basics of “nice online,” or you’re trying to get high schoolers to think critically about who’s sliding into their DMs, digital citizenship is essential. Here’s a grade-by-grade guide to helping our students learn to be responsible, ethical, and, yes, a little savvier as they navigate this digital wilderness. Elementary School: Building Foundations in Media Literacy and Online Kindness Content Catalyst: Digital Citizenship for the Littles In elementary school, digital citizenship is less “What’s…
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Identity in the Age of Filters: Are We Our True Selves or Just Trending?
It’s 2024, and let’s face it—we’re all curating. We curate our Instagram feeds, our outfits, and even our breakfast. (Who knew a smoothie bowl could be so photogenic?) But here’s the million-dollar question: are we curating ourselves? When teenagers are constantly scrolling through aesthetics, micro-labels, and influencer trends, it makes you wonder—are we still searching for our true selves, or are we just cosplaying whatever’s hot this week? Welcome to the Identity Crisis, TikTok Edition As social media has wormed its way into nearly every aspect of our lives, it’s especially giving teens a bit of an identity crisis (to say the least). Gone are the days when teen self-discovery…
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Generative AI: The Ultimate Teacher’s Sidekick
Generative AI—it might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but trust me, it’s less “robots taking over the world” and more “robots helping you not drown in paperwork.” Picture this: lesson plans created in seconds, grading streamlined, and personalized content suggestions that actually make sense! If you’re a teacher like me juggling a never-ending to-do list, ChatGPT is the sidekick you never knew you needed. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but wow, has it made my teaching life a whole lot easier and even a bit more fun. Let’s explore how generative AI is transforming education (and why I’m borderline obsessed with it). What’s Generative AI Anyway?…
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Digital Citizenship: Shaping the Future One Element at a Time
Last week, we had the privilege of hearing from Mike Ribble, the author and digital citizenship expert who outlined the 9 elements of digital citizenship. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering the breadth of digital responsibility required of today’s students (and even adults). From digital access to cyberbullying, the scope of these elements covers much of what we interact with online daily. One of the key takeaways from Ribble’s talk was how crucial it is to approach teaching digital citizenship just like any other subject—one step at a time. Just as we wouldn’t throw a math student into calculus without first teaching them basic arithmetic, we shouldn’t expect students…
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“Snap, Tweet, Post, Repeat: How Not to Lose Your Mind (or Privacy) in the Social Media Jungle”
Ah, social media. That delightful place where we can share everything from our breakfast burritos to our existential crises, all while accumulating likes, followers, and the occasional “Did you really post that?” message from Mom. We live in a world where Snapchat streaks and Instagram likes are social currency, but navigating this jungle can sometimes feel like a video game—except the monsters are online predators, and the boss battle is maintaining your sanity. So, how do we survive and thrive in this pixelated paradise? Buckle up as we dive into the art of mastering digital citizenship while dodging trolls, sextortionists, and the temptation to tweet your every thought. In a…
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Navigating the Future: Integrating Cutting-Edge Technology in Today’s Classroom
Summary of Learning Today, I am excited to share my learning journey in the EC&I 830 course. This course has been a transformative experience, allowing me to delve even deeper into the intersection of technology and education. Through various debates, assessments, and reflections, I have gained valuable insights I am eager to share. Engagement with Technology in Education Throughout the course, we critically examined the role of technology in education and its impact on the classroom environment. One significant theme was the digital divide and its impact on equitable access to educational resources. Reflecting on the blog post titled Bridging the Digital Divide: Reflections on an Equitable Technology Debate, I…
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The Impact of Cell Phones in the Classroom
Strong arguments exist on both sides of the ongoing debate about the role of cell phones in the classroom. The discussion is crucial as it touches on significant aspects of student learning, mental health, classroom management, and technology integration in education. Here’s a reflection on the key points presented by proponents and opponents of allowing cell phones in schools. Agree: Cell Phones as a Distraction Cognitive Load and Physical Separation One of the most compelling arguments against cell phones in the classroom is their significant impact on students’ cognitive load. A 2017 study demonstrated that even when phones were not in use and notifications were turned off, their mere presence…