Category: Weekly Reflections (Page 1 of 2)

Before this course

Before starting this course, I knew very little about technology. Throughout the course, I have gained valuable knowledge about navigating technology and exploring the many resources now available to me. I’ve learned how to effectively use ChatGPT to enhance my own learning and to guide students in using it appropriately. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in technology skills and in making learning accessible for all students.

I am excited to share what I’ve learned with both peers and future students as I pursue my teaching career. This course has provided tools and strategies that will undoubtedly benefit me in the long run, and I plan to revisit these lessons whenever needed.

Pros/Cons

This article discusses some of the pros and cons of using EDTech in early education.

Using educational technology (EdTech) in elementary schools has both benefits and challenges. On the positive side, it can make learning more engaging and fun through interactive tools, that hold students attention. It is also very accessible for all learners, It also allows for personalized learning by adapting to individual needs, and it’s helpful for diverse learners with tools like text-to-speech and translation apps. It also supports the development of important skills like digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving.

At the same time, there are some downsides. Not all students have equal access to devices or reliable internet, which can create equity issues. Overusing technology might reduce hands-on learning and social interaction time. However, I believe EdTech is starting to be used more frequently in classrooms, and the best approach is to use EdTech in moderation. This looks like pairing it with traditional teaching and hands-on activities. It’s important to focus on making access equitable, offering teacher training, and ensure it is being used appropriately for the grade level.

BC Government cell phone regulations

While the internet offers plenty of benefits, it also portrays some drawbacks. Devices are becoming more and more advanced, and while some schools try to keep up with improvements, others have opted on limiting the amount of practice.

A few disadvantages that specifically cell phones and tablets acquire, include the amount of distractions they cause. When a device vibrates or lights up, it doesn’t only distract that individual, but also the peers around them. It is quite challenging for some people to ignore a notification, and if they can’t see it immediately it can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.

Additionally, even if students are meant to use their devices for educational use, that privilege can often be mistreated and can result in students being engaged in something irrelevant.

Lastly, smartphones and tablets have the ability to create a digital divide between students as some don’t have access to devices like these at home. If students would like to work on projects at home but don’t have access to technology, that leaves them with limited time to finish their work.

I enjoyed using the science journal app because I like how it offers varying level of assignments for all grades. I also like the idea that you could get students to do experiments independently, in pairs, groups, or even as a whole class all together.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend class to hear guest speaker Brittany’s techniques. However, I was able to review the slides she has created and here are a few things I picked up.

SELF Check-ins

• Use a color chart for students to non-verbally indicate how they feel as they enter the classroom.
• Morning and end-of-day circles help students practice emotional regulation, using activities like thumbs up/down, “rose, bud, thorn.”

First Year of Teaching

• Implement smooth transitions and “soft starts” with activities like playdoh, outdoor time, yoga, meditation, or reading.
• Use engaging prompts for assessing student readiness (e.g., “Show me 5 pieces of pepperoni on your play doh pizza”).
• Transition songs tailored to specific tasks or moments.

Modeling and Proximity

• Use “I do, we do, you do” strategy for group projects; create an example project with students before they start independently.
• Display clear visual examples of skill levels (emerging, developing, proficient, extending) for writing and drawing in the classroom.

Digital Portfolio/Fresh Grades

• Upload student work to an accessible digital platform for parents to view.
• Encourage student choice in selecting their best work to share, fostering parent-child discussions about school progress.

“Get to Know Me!” Sheet

• Collect useful information from parents about their child to better support individualized learning and classroom management.

Co-Creation and Collaboration

• Seek support and advice from colleagues as needed.
• Collaborate with students for classroom design, starting with blank walls and building together through the year.

After reviewing Brittany’s slides I find this information highly valuable for a starting teacher as it provides practical, hands-on strategies to establish an effective and supportive classroom environment while navigating the challenges of a new teaching role. I will definitely be reflecting back to this in the near future.

Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving

The website Learning discusses why computational thinking is important for students. It highlights that it teaches them how to plan ahead to achieve desired outcomes and how to navigate data effectively. In my opinion, computational thinking is beneficial because it encourages students to solve puzzles and identify patterns that they might not be familiar with. This approach helps build problem-solving skills, as it requires students to think critically by analyzing problems and developing strategies to address them

Gameplay used in The Classroom

Gameplay can be extremely beneficial for students who are less engaged in a topic for several reasons. Firstly, it offers an alternative way of understanding that may resonate more with them. Students who are interested in computers or gaming can particularly benefit, as they are often already familiar with technology. Additionally, gameplay is hands-on, allowing students to actively participate and learn through experience rather than just listening to instructions. Overall, while gameplay may not appeal to everyone, it can be an effective tool for educators, helping certain students thrive in their learning.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch, Pexels

How Can AI be Useful?

Generative AI has significant potential to enhance educational outcomes across various grade levels when used effectively. In particular, I believe it would be most beneficial for middle and high school students. AI can assist learners before submitting their assignments, especially if they lack support at home or are unable to consult their teachers. Available 24/7, AI provides instant feedback, allowing students to engage more deeply with their work. Additionally, it can offer explanations tailored to individual learning styles, helping students gain a clearer understanding of their assignments.

Video on AI benefits

Click this link to read the pros and cons of AI

Some Drawbacks

I have used AI a handful of times, and it has been quite helpful for me. However, one aspect I find concerning is its extensive capabilities. While that might sound silly, I’ve noticed how reliant I’ve become on it. This reliance can discourage my creative thinking, especially when an immediate answer isn’t coming to him. Although AI can be a valuable tool, it also risks taking away opportunities for personal learning.

Photo by Tim Mossholder, Pexels

Fortunately, I can change this habit and learn to use AI in different ways. I’m grateful that AI emerged when I was older, as I worry about how younger generations might misuse it and struggle to develop their own creative ideas. Teachers prefer to evaluate work that students have completed independently rather than assess assignments generated by a computer.

This is just my personal experience with AI and how I feel about it, however, many other students I’ve spoken with share similar feelings. Overall, while AI has its downsides like anything else, it ultimately depends on how the individual chooses to use it.

H5P Tools in Classrooms

I think H5P would be a really useful device to be used in middle schools and high schools. Once you have the website figured out it is very straight forward and simple. H5P is useful for a variety of things without being too complicated. I think incorporating this in classrooms would help to keep students engaged in their tasks and make it easier to work from home. Learning how to navigate and use HP5 at a young age is very beneficial.

Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun, Unsplash

Multi-Media Learning Theory

Multi-Media learning theory is very advantageous when it comes to improving learning. The theory has several different methods and strategies to help grow learning. When information is presented it can be very overwhelming, but the theory uses techniques, such as showing the information multiple times and having corresponding images as to what the text is to enhance memory. Once we have been shown information this way, it can help people pick up the strategies to be able to present work and information that is operative. Knowing these skills will help you create videos and tutorials that are the most effective and understanding for observers.

Video on Multi-Media Theory

Photo by Kenny Eliason, Unsplash

Do we need to reimagine education?

The short answer is yes. The traditional education system has been around for many years, but much has changed in the world since then, and the education system hasn’t evolved accordingly. With nearly 7% of Canadians currently unemployed, and numbers on an upward trend, it may suggest that our established education system may not be as effective as it once was.

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash

What obstacles do educators face when they try to change pedagogy?

When it comes to changing pedagogy, educators have many obstacles they run into. Students and staff are probably going to be resistant to change. If the system created has worked out for the most part why would we change it? Teachers might also face frustration as they shift the techniques and teaching methods they’ve relied on. Additionally, parents would be very hesitant regarding changes, as they would be unfamiliar with these new approaches and may view them as ineffective. Overall, the challenges educators face is continuous, however, proving the benefits of improved education and being supportive is what will show people why it is important.

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

What concerns me about this process?

What is concerning to me, is that our current education system was established long before we had access to the knowledge we have now. While having more information can be beneficial, it can also make things more complicated in some ways. In my view, any changes to the education system should be made gradually to reduce confusion for students. The process of determining which information is crucial for each subject and integrating new content will be extremely overwhelming and difficult. Will changing education backfire and detriment a whole generation of children? Or is this the best thing to happen for them? Lastly, implementing a new system will be very costly and not every distract will be able to make these changes, potentionally leaving some children at a disadvantage.

Getty images, collaboration with unsplashed