Today in class, we shared our EdTech inquiry projects. In my opinion, educational technology is something that teachers should be embracing in some shape or form. With that, everybody’s version of this will look different, and that’s more than ok. Diving into our class presentations, here’s a little breakdown of the inquiries that were shared:

Unplugged or Unprepared

This presentation was created by Daleen, Shae, Dakota and Grace. This group started by looking at the bigger picture of how technology should or shouldn’t be used in the classroom. They scheduled several meet-ups with local teachers and shared what they learned through a podcast. Throughout their presentation and short podcast clips, it became clear that their main point was that technology should be used with clear intentions. This group stressed choosing tools that truly help students learn and setting clear guidelines for how and when those tools are used. An example of a tool they would use is UFLI.

High Tech, Low Tech, No Tech

This presentation was created by Ella, Lela and Benny. This group researched what learning looks like in classrooms with lots of technology, a little technology, and none at all. More high-tech classrooms use digital tools and online platforms, low-tech ones rely on simple supports like visuals or timers, and no-tech classrooms use only hands-on materials. These presenters found that each style has benefits, but no-tech classrooms can be limiting for students who need digital tools for accessibility. Their main point was to use technology wisely and stay flexible so you can meet student’s real needs. Something fun this group included is creating a QR code on Mentimeter to interact with other people’s views.

Technology and Student Safety

This presentation was created by Hannah, Breanna, Alexandra and Amanda. This group explored how schools use technology to improve safety. They looked at things like security cameras, programs that try to predict risks, and apps for emergency situations. These tools are meant to protect students and keep families informed. This group pointed out important concerns about privacy, trust, and how being watched all the time might impact student’s SEL and growth. This group found a local study done on youth in our area that ultimately suggested that there is a rise in students reporting they feel unsafe and/or have been having suicidal thoughts. This study has definitely made me more aware of the seriousness of this issue and has pushed me to address the relationship between online use and privacy.

A few safety tools that this group found are the Rave Panic Button and Securly.

Finding the Balance

This presentation was created by Danika, Sarah and Liah. They researched the importance of finding the balance between low-tech and high-tech classroom solutions. This group created a wonderful website that dives deeper into the importance of having a technology balance in your learning space. Their website also provides helpful strategies and resources for teachers to use as a guide when creating their classroom technology balance.

“When we strike this balance, we help students become capable, thoughtful, and adaptable learners who can navigate a digital world without losing the human skills that matter most”.

• Danika, Sarah and Liah

Reflection

Reflecting on High-Tech, Low-Tech, No-Tech. After studying just a small portion of the accessibility world myself, I strongly agree that with certain needs, a no-tech classroom isn’t always feasible.

With that, I do understand why some teachers may want to steer clear of technology, because of course there are cons. However, I feel the positives totally outweigh the cons. I really enjoyed reading the Finding the Balance website. They provided so many “first, then” strategies that I want to use in the future. They really made me sit back and reflect on what I want my future space to look like. Finding the balance is so important.

The Technology and Student Safety presentation was eye-opening. It’s not often that I think about the dark things that can happen on social media and different school software. When I do, I always think “That doesn’t happen here”, followed up with “I live in a small town, I’m safe”. That is just unacceptable. When this group discussed the study that was made in our local school district, my heart dropped. This is happening to the boy down the street or the girl who rides her bike past my workplace. It’s awful. With that, instead of living in a state of fear, I’m glad to know there are resources in process that can help keep students and families safe. Some precautions can be made to ensure your child or student is as safe as possible while using technology.

Lastly, to reflect on Unplugged or Unprepared. I loved what this group had to say in their podcast. Such a great idea and so fun to listen to. Through class discussion and active listening, I learnt so many great tips and tricks from my classmates. I think overall, the importance of having intention when teaching something was the bottom line for most groups.