Blog Post #1

September 19 2023

 

• Previous educational technology experience?

 

In grade 5, I transferred to the Calgary Girls School, where we were required to use laptop computers for around 50% of our course work. At the time, it was uncommon for this grade level to be exposed to this much technology in a classroom, so I recall being ecstatic, so ecstatic that the laptop was frequently not utilized for school-related purposes. Throughout grades 5-8 I had the opportunity to use 3D printers, coding apps, and a variety of different technology related tools in school. Because of this experience I entered high school with a bit of an upper hand, as some of those students did not have the same exposure as myself. In high school we mainly just used laptops and explored software's like Microsoft and Google in almost every classroom. My knowledge of technology is not very advanced but I am now being introduced to huge world of technological resources that can be used within my future classroom. I have had a variety of opinions about technology, not just in relation to education, but I believe that technology can have both a positive and not so positive impact on students success. 

 

• Educational technology being used in your 3rd year practicum placement?

 

This semester I am at Connect Charter within a grade 9 humanities classroom, so within this space I expect to see technology used for a variety of purposes like researching different concepts, writing short responses and even in a more creative lens. I know that the students haver regular access to iPads and on these devices I have seen them using applications like google docs as well as a few trivia games. 

 

I believe that they have classes dedicated to using technology in a more creative lens, for concepts like coding and graphic design, but I have yet to come across this. 

 

• What “burning” question do you have about the use of digital technologies in K to 9 education?

 

Does the integration of technology in classrooms have any effect on learning disorders such as ADHD?

 

What can a teacher do to ensure that students are using technology effectively and in a positive lens? 

 

Artificial Intelligence has brought forward a lot of controversial opinions in the last couple years, I know that it can be a helpful aid in university for minor tasks, but I am curious to know how that could be integrated into elementary education? And what safety support will be enforced alongside. 

 

• Why is the question important to YOU?

 

In my ideal classroom there would not be a lot of technology integrated into the space or in learning activities. But, in order to set up students for success in this society it is almost crucial to be integrating technology in a multitude of contexts. 

 

I see technology as a tool for communication and connection when used appropriately. I think that technology can be abused and can serve as something that takes away other parts of our lives. My goal is to use technology in my classroom to enhance curriculum while also ensuring that kids grasp the fundamentals so that they can explore technology to whatever extent they desire.