In today’s world, we teach students how to read, write, and problem-solve—but are we doing enough to prepare them for the realities of the digital age? This question was the driving force behind my final major project for my master’s program: integrating digital citizenship into the Saskatchewan Health 9 curriculum. And let me tell you, this was no small task. The Challenge: Embedding, Not Overloading Teachers are already juggling so much, from hitting curriculum outcomes to engaging a classroom full of diverse learners. The last thing they need is another standalone unit that feels like extra work. That’s why it was critical for me to develop a resource that EMBEDS…

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…

This week, we had the privilege of virtually sitting down with Dave Cormier, an educator whose résumé is as impressive as it is eclectic. From teaching in South Korea and Slovakia to working with footwear engineers (yes, really), Cormier brings a worldly perspective to the conversation about technology in education. Currently, he’s shaping the minds of Bachelor of Education students at the University of Windsor, all while questioning some of the most entrenched assumptions about teaching and learning. Cormier’s insights were refreshingly candid, often challenging popular narratives about how technology should (or shouldn’t) fit into education. Let’s take a deep dive into the lessons we learned—and the questions we’re still…

Digital Literacy: Building Lifelong Learners in a Tech-Driven World Today, we dove into a fascinating discussion on digital literacy, led by Dr. Bonnie Stewart and featuring insights from Dustin Hubick and Andrea Olesen. Dr. Stewart, who is currently on sabbatical, has a long history of exploring the big picture of digital tools. With a teaching focus on pre-service educators and a background in Twitter-based teaching, she’s uniquely positioned to guide us through the ever-evolving digital landscape. (Oh, and if you’re an Anne of Green Gables fan, here’s a fun fact: Dr. Stewart played Diana Barry in the iconic 1980s adaptation. Talk about range!) Alongside Dr. Stewart’s expertise, we also explored…

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…

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…

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;…

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…

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…

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?…