Blog One: Beginning of the Fall 2023 Semester

My Educational Experience with Technology

    My exposure to educational technology was somewhat limited before university. During my elementary school years, we had access to laptop carts, a library equipped with desktop computers, and SMART boards. However, I observed that my teachers often preferred physical books over digital resources, relied on handwritten explanations on whiteboards or chart paper, and limited the use of laptops. This trend continued into junior high and high school, where handwritten responses were the norm, and the utilization of laptops or desktops was mainly reserved for research projects. Nevertheless, we frequently made use of SMART boards, as teachers found them valuable for incorporating additional resources such as videos, Kahoot games, and Jeopardy to enhance their lessons.

     While my exposure to technology during grade school was comparatively limited to my peers in the Mount Royal B.Ed program, I've discovered that collaborative work with my fellow students allows us to bring diverse insights and knowledge to our approaches. Prior to university, I did not own a personal laptop, but now, as I use my laptop daily, I've come to appreciate its convenience and how easily it grants access to assignments, tasks, and resources. With increased use, I've found that technology has become more manageable, making it simpler to navigate and integrate into daily life, as well as aiding in the creation of more engaging lesson plans. Nonetheless, I firmly believe in the importance of not overly relying on technology as the sole means of instruction. Technology should serve to enhance lessons rather than replace them entirely.

Technology in My Practicum Placement

    In regards to technology being used in my 3rd year practicum placement, I have found that my kindergarten students are exposed to it in their environment, however they are often encouraged to explore, play, and learn with the resources that are already here for them. Students are encouraged to explore with items such as fallen leaves, rocks, and water. These resources help them with their fine motor and sensory skills all while allowing them time to enjoy using their imaginative play before they are more heavily exposed to technology in the later years.

Burning Questions about Digital Technology in K-9

    Reflecting on my past and current experiences, some burning question I have are:

• To what extent should I integrate technology into students' educational experiences, considering factors such as their age, cognitive development, and curriculum requirements?
• At what stages of a child's educational journey should I progressively expand their exposure to technology, and how can I align this expansion with their evolving learning needs and objectives?
• What are the developmental milestones and educational benchmarks that can guide the appropriate introduction of technology into a child's learning journey, and how can I ensure that this introduction is both effective and age-appropriate?
• Given that external factors may contribute to varying levels of technology exposure outside of the school environment, what comprehensive strategies can be implemented to instill responsible, and balanced technology habits in students, encompassing aspects like digital literacy, screen time management, and parent/guardian involvement?

   These questions hold significance to me because I aspire to empower my students with the knowledge and skills that technology can provide, enabling them to harness its potential for effective learning. However, I am equally concerned about the potential pitfalls, such as over-reliance on technology, including apps and AI tools like ChatGPT. Balancing these aspects is crucial to ensure a well-rounded and adaptable education for my students.

Thanks for joining me on my first blog post! I'm thrilled to embark on this journey of discovery, eager to explore the art of blogging, and keen to uncover how it can enrich my digital learning experience. Stay tuned for an exciting blogging adventure!

With Gratitude,

Alexis