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…
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Bridging the Digital Divide: Reflections on an Equitable Technology Debate
Debating the role of technology in creating a more equitable society is both a challenging and enlightening experience. Recently, I found myself on the “agree” side of this debate, tasked with advocating for the equitable use of technology in education. This was no easy feat, especially considering the formidable arguments the “disagree” side presented, highlighting the complexities and pitfalls associated with technology integration. Nevertheless, the discussion underscored the crucial role technology could play in levelling the educational playing field when implemented thoughtfully and inclusively. The Agree Side: Advocating for Equity Through Technology In preparing for the debate, I drew extensively from several vital readings. Suzanne K. Damarin’s (2000) article, “The…
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AI in Education: Revolutionizing Learning or Risking the Future?
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has sparked a fervent and heated debate among educators, technologists, and policymakers. In a live, well-formatted debate, proponents argued that AI will bring about unprecedented improvements, while critics cautioned against potential risks. This blog post delves into both sides of the debate, examining key arguments and evidence from various sources and providing in-classroom examples of effective AI integration. This is a sensitive and uncharted territory for many of my peers, making the discussion all the more engaging and critical. The Optimistic Perspective: Transforming Education AI in Education 4.0 Advocates for AI in education often point to the concept of Education 4.0, a…
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The Great Debate on Technology in the Classroom
DEBATE #1: Technology and its ability to enhance learning In my recent educational technology class, we had an insightful and engaging debate on whether technology in the classroom enhances learning. My classmates presented their arguments using various scholarly articles, making the discussion well-structured and informative. Here’s a recap of some key points made during the debate and my reflections on the overall experience. Pro-Technology Arguments 1. Enhanced Engagement and Accessibility: Proponents of technology in the classroom argued that digital tools significantly enhance student engagement and accessibility. For instance, mobile technology allows students to access educational content anytime and anywhere, making learning more flexible and engaging. Straker et al. (2018) found…
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Tech-Enhanced Teaching: A Day in the Life of a Connected Educator
Personal Life In my personal life, I start the day by checking social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. These platforms help me stay connected with friends and family, follow trends, and get inspiration for creative projects. I often use Canva to design posters, social media posts, and other graphics, which helps me personally and professionally. Whether sharing moments on Instagram stories or creating engaging content for TikTok, these apps are a significant part of my daily routine. I also use X, formerly Twitter, to stay engaged in the Education community, where I share insights, learn from others, and keep up with the latest trends and discussions. Teaching…
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Foundations & Pre-Calc 10 Unit Plan
In ECS 495, I was able to practice my unit planning skills. This was great because it has been quite some time due to my maternity leave. I am always open to feedback because I am constantly trying to mould and shape my delivery. I am currently trying to transition to a Universal Design for Learning approach. If you have any information or feedback, please let me know in the comments below. The unit plan itself is from the Saskatchewan curriculum and textbook. This unit would typically be 7 lessons but likely 14 classes. I have only shared three of those seven lessons. I hope that you gain something from…
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So What? Now What?
In ECS 495, I was also able to utilize many resources via podcast and/or YouTube. Sometimes I don’t always thrive in auditory learning however, as I become older, I am finding that I am a more well-rounded learner so I really enjoyed listening to peoples’ experiences and thoughts around the topics. Colinda Clyne uses the quote, “so what? Now what?” in her Anti-Racist Educator Reads podcast. Our professor allowed us to use this type of reflection after listening to some podcasts. I utilized podcasting to respond using the “What? So What? Now what?” model to fulfill this portion of the course. This model focuses on breaking up reflection into meaningful…