Hey all! I can’t believe this is my FINAL blog post for EC&I 830. What a whirlwind of a semester; I realize it was literally weeks long, but still it flew by! July intensives are no joke, and we made it! I think the relevant and interesting topic of Contemporary Issues in Educational Technology, along with the unique debate format made this course, dare I say, fun and an engaging one to tackle over the summer. I enjoyed adopting a more informal writing style through blog reflections, connecting with all of you on Discord, Zoom and in the blog comment section, and most of all the spirited debate topics…even though…

In our final debate, Jenna and Vanessa took on Brianne and Rose tackling the topic: Schools should continue to teach skills that can be easily carried out by technology (e.g., cursive writing, multiplication tables, spelling). The pre-vote was an overwhelming YES to this statement with 85% voting agree, versus the 15% disagree. As the open debate began, it turns out that feelings on this statement were a bit more fluid than the vote displayed. I was excited for this debate, especially following the heavy debate on equitable technology use (brain still hurts from that one), as this debate topic felt more concrete, practical, and something I could really resonate with.…

This week Sarada and Chi confidently argued that yes, technology has led to a more equitable society, while Danielle and Jillian expertly opposed this statement. Both groups presented valid points, shared proven data and provided ample resources to support their side of the (as always) controversial debate topic, resulting in very mixed opinions (mine included!). I’ll admit that this debate topic stumped me the most thus far; when it was time for the pre-vote I had to fully PAUSE and consider my vote, unlike previous debate topics where I went into the vote pretty confident of my opinion. Yes, technology = equity! Chi and Sarada started the debate strongly with their…

For debate #4: Phones in the classroom should be banned, Kritika and Maherun argued for a cell phone ban, against Sadi who argued against a cell phone ban. I was excited for this debate – it is so relevant right now, in Saskatchewan schools – as we just finished our first school year living under a government mandated phone ban. Both groups did great arguing their sides of this debate; the data presented and points made had me second guessing (like all the debates so far have seemed to – haha) my views on cell phones’ place in schools. Let’s dive in! Cell phones = BAN THEM! Considering this is…

This reflection feels different than the others I’ve done, because this was ‘’my debate.’ Sheila and I took on Daegan and Jessalyn in scenario #3: AI technologies will revolutionize education for the better, the most divided topic yet shown in the pre-vote (with some change in the post-vote – whoop whoop!): (Pre-vote & post-vote visuals)               Sheila and I tackled the ‘pro’ side spending A LOT of time reading, listening and watching content to help our case that AI = good for education…which was tougher than I anticipated, especially because I have many reservations about AI myself (I know, shocking as I spent nearly…

Social media is ruining childhood. Or is it? This debate topic was one that I was most excited for! The issue of social media impact on children is extremely relevant right now; between having a classroom of young, impressionable eight year olds who already seem (alarmingly) aware of the world of social media, as well as preparing to start my own family, social media use is constantly on my mind. When should kids begin using it? Which social media programs are appropriate? How do I regulate their use and monitor their consumption? How will social media impact their self-esteem, their interests, their values, and their developing brain overall? Questions swirl…

Reflection on debate topic #1: Technology in the classroom enhances learning. First of all, bravo to the debaters; I thought Jenni, Leanne and Dustin did an amazing job arguing this first debate topic! Special shout out to Dustin for both working alone and tackling the ‘disagree’ side which was apparently very unpopular! As the initial, pre-debate vote displayed, the vast majority of our class agreed that technology has an important place in the classroom (unsurprising in an educational technology class I suppose). I, too, voted yes, technology enhances learning, although Dustin presented many great points that had me challenging the idea of tech inclusion more and more. Anyone else? Of…

Initially, I thought to myself, what will I write for this first prompt?? I teach grade three and, with these young learners, I typically don’t use a lot of tech. Having 25 eight year olds successfully working on laptops is no easy feat, to say the least. In grade three, we still do a lot of work pen/paper style, and, especially in French Immersion, face-to-face interaction, with an oral emphasis, is the priority!  Upon further reflection, I considered all of the tech that dictates MY DAY. Technology aids, supports, enhances my teaching all day long. Once I began a list of tech tools I use regularly, the list went on…and…