Friday, July 7, 2023
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Final Narrative- Jose De La Cruz
Jose De La Cruz
Dr. Lesly Bogad
CURR 501
July 4th, 2023
If I could take you back to 1998 when I was 4 years old, you would probably see me struggling with my first cellphone which was a Nokia, and was as big as my arm. I like to think that I was introduced to the world of technology at a very young age. Growing up in technology was always something that I was very interested in, which made me the person in charge of fixing everything for all my family members who struggled with technology. During my undergraduate studies I worked at a Sprint store where I was a tech, and my job was to repair cell phones and computers. Well maybe by now you might think I am a digital native, since I grew up around the presence of technology. Before taking this class I only knew that I was good at working with electronics and being able to troubleshoot them, but after a few lectures into the class I was able to find my technological identity.
I realized that for the longest time I have been hovering around being a technocrat or a techno traditionalist since as an educator I am very comfortable using projectors, learning stations with computers in the lab, keeping electronic gradebooks and running virtual classrooms. But as we progressed through the week, and we were told about the final project, I quickly became interested in becoming a techno-constructivist, which is where the project “Nurturing Resilience With Technology” came about. The Nurturing Resilience With Technology project aims to leverage technology to enhance student resilience within the classroom environment. Being able to integrate innovative digital tools and resources can help equip students with the necessary skills, strategies, and support systems to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and thrive academically and emotionally. I believe that students have the capacity to build resilience in technology, through interventions set by teachers who use informal assessments within digital tools to better inform their practice in the classroom. I believe that if students effectively build resilience with technology it will create a classroom culture that would be built on effective communication, collaboration, and inclusivity.
This project will have to take place over the course of a year and there are many objectives that would need to be met. One of the objectives of the project will be to cultivate a growth mindset in students by utilizing technology to foster a growth mindset among students, and at the same time encouraging them to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth. I think Covid-19 has contributed to students becoming more fragile and not used to failing, which is an important part of life in order to mature. The second objective is to enhance emotional well being by integrating digital tools and resources that promote emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and stress management. This objective would enable students to develop coping mechanisms and build emotional resilience which is important for students to be mentally prepared to learn in the classroom. The third objective that needs to be met through this project is being able to foster peer support and collaboration. Nowadays, there are many students who struggle to be able to ask for help or communicate with adults. I think that students are more comfortable talking to each other to be able to seek support in times of crisis. This project aims to foster peer support and collaboration by integrating online platforms and applications to facilitate peer support networks, collaborative learning environments, and mentorship opportunities. Students will be able to provide each other with social-emotional support and a sense of belonging. Lastly, I think the most important objective that this project will need to focus on is to be able to provide personalized support for students by leveraging technology to offer personalized guidance, resources, and feedback to students. Being able to provide this personalized resources will cater to their individual needs, learning styles, and emotional well being. I believe that this last objective shows how education should not be a one size fits all approach and students should be empowered to use their voice and be able to express their thoughts, ideas and experiences, which will ultimately lead to fostering self-advocacy and a sense of agency. Technology has shifted the world, and we are more and more dependent on it, which is a great reason to help our media native students use technology to build resilience in schools.
To ensure the effectiveness of the "Nurturing Resilience" project, continuous evaluation and monitoring strategies will be implemented. These strategies include,Data Collection: Gather qualitative and quantitative data on student engagement, academic performance, emotional well-being, and self-efficacy. This can be done through surveys, interviews, observation, and analysis of digital platform usage. This implementation step can be done through the use of google forms to be able to get an idea of things that could be impacting the student body which can be what they are currently struggling with. Feedback Loops: Establish feedback loops with students, teachers, and parents to gather insights on the impact of technology interventions. Regular check-ins, focus groups, and open communication channels will enable stakeholders to share their experiences, suggestions, and concerns.This focus groups can be done through the use of video apps such as zoom, facetime, or google meets. Progress Tracking: Use digital tools and learning analytics to track students' progress, identify areas of improvement, and tailor interventions accordingly. Progress reports can provide valuable information on the effectiveness of different strategies and the individual needs of students.
One of the most important strategies to be implemented will be the collaborative reflection which will engage students in reflective practices, such as online discussions or digital portfolios, where they can assess their growth, share challenges, and provide feedback on the project's impact. Collaborative reflection promotes ownership, co-creation, and continuous improvement.Using collaborative reflection will help develop digital mindset development where students will be Introduced to interactive online platforms, apps, or gamified learning experiences that promote a growth mindset, self-reflection, and metacognitive skills. These tools can provide real-time feedback, learning progress tracking, and self-assessment opportunities to help students develop a resilient mindset. One of the examples I can think of is the use of google forms to create escape rooms which is something we did in this course when we had the puzzle presentation.
Another great implementation strategy to help students is to provide them with digital wellness resources where I would Integrate digital resources, such as mindfulness apps, relaxation techniques, and guided meditation videos, into students' daily routines. These resources can be accessed both within the classroom and at home to support emotional well-being and stress management. One example of how this might look like in the classroom would be during my environmental science class, starting the first two minutes by playing a video of nature with sounds, and having students take the first minute to meditate on their own, and the other minute writing about what they are feeling at that moment. The third minute would be used for students who want to share out loud. I can also use this implementation strategy by incorporating virtual peer support networks for the students who are not comfortable sharing their thoughts to the whole class. Being able to establish virtual platforms or social learning communities where students can connect, share experiences, provide support, and collaborate on projects. These networks can be facilitated through secure messaging apps, online discussion forums, or collaborative project management tools. I was thinking of the first week of class being able to use groupme as a group chat where the expectation would be for students to collaborate there and also I will be giving important announcements through there whether we have an important assignment coming up or fieldtrip.
Virtual Mentorship Programs can also be a great implementation strategy to build resilience because it will help students collaborate with local professionals, community members, or alumni to establish virtual mentorship programs. Use technology to connect mentors with students, enabling them to receive guidance, career advice, and emotional support from experienced individuals in their areas of interest. For this implementation I am thinking of using existing apps such as Growthmentor or 100mentors which are all user friendly apps that are easy to access. Lastly, Digital Storytelling and Self-Expression: Encourage students to use digital storytelling tools, such as multimedia presentations, videos, or podcasts, to express themselves in different forms. I have students who hate to write and that could be because they are multilingual learners so they are afraid to write and get it wrong. I think podcasts are a great way to motivate students to express themselves.
In order for this project to be implemented and be successful one must think of the scaling and sustainability of the project. In order for this to work more teachers will need to be part of the project so I would be suggesting to my head of school conducting professional development that can provide opportunities for teachers to enhance their technological skills, pedagogical approaches, and understanding of resilience-building strategies. This will empower educators to effectively integrate technology into their instructional practices and support student resilience. Partnerships and Collaboration: Forge partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and technology providers to access resources, funding opportunities, and expertise. Collaborative efforts can foster innovation, share best practices, and create a supportive network for sustained implementation. Some students might not have the resources to buy a good computer for blogging or podcasts so partnerships can provide students with money to improve their technology.
In conclusion, The "Nurturing Resilience With Technology Project” harnesses the power of technology to empower students, cultivate their resilience, and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By integrating digital tools, personalized support systems, and collaborative platforms, we can equip students with the necessary skills, mindsets, and resources to overcome challenges, embrace growth, and thrive academically and emotionally. Through careful implementation, evaluation, and collaboration, this project has the potential to transform the educational experience and foster lifelong resilience in students, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world. I believe that all students can be successful by the integration of technology to their school experiences.
Monday, July 3, 2023
How Can Technology make us loners? How Did the Covid-19 Pandemic Shift Our Technology Reliance??
How do you feel about the issues Turkle raises in her article and Ted Talk? Did the pandemic change the way you feel about yourself (personally and professionally) in relation to technology?
One can say that a lot has changed ever since the internet and smartphones came to our lives, since now we are able to connect with people across the world in matter of minutes. Maybe back in the day we had to send a letter and wait for weeks or months to get a reply, but did technology help us be closer? In the TED talk by Sherry Turkle she emphasized how technology has actually made us distant from our loved ones and people around us.
I think that technology has affected the way in which we used to do things. One thing that has changed is dinner time, which was the time in which the family would gather and have a conversation about how the day went, and anything they wanted to share. Nowadays people sit at the table an one can be watching a show on netflix, the other person could be texting their partner or boss, and there is no longer a bonding time during dinner.
Sherry Turkle's work often seems to explore the impacts of technology on human connection and the potential risks of excessive reliance on digital devices. We seem to expect more from technology and less from each other, and this has happened because technology appeals to us more when we are vulnerable and we are lonely and afraid of intimacy. We have technology that gives us an illusion of companionship without the need for actual friendship. She raises valid concerns about the ways in which technology can affect our relationships, empathy and self-perception. People become anxious without technology.
Regarding the pandemic, it has definitely changed the way in which everyone interact with technology. I think the pandemic fed the fire to rely more on technology since everyone was scared to come in contact with others during the outbreak. With increased reliance on digital communication and remote work, there was a shift in how individuals perceive themselves and their professional identities in relation to technology. I can remember teaching in zoom and not having to dress up and sometimes just having a nice shirt with pajama pants. I think I have experienced a greater integration of technology into my daily life, which has lead to new challenges and reflections on the role of technology. One example I can use is not wanting to go inside stores and do shopping, since I can now use instacart or do curbside pick up for stop and shop and BJs, I think this has changed the traditional shopping way.
In conclusion I think it is critical for individuals to evaluate their relationship with technology and find a healthy balance that aligns with their values and well-being. The pandemic may have prompted individuals such as me to reassess the technology usage and explore wats to maintain meaningful connection amidst a digitally mediated world. I think it was necessary for some people to go into the market to do grocery shopping as a way to interact society and help their emotional well being.
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Rethinking Media and Popular Culture book- Chapter Summary
Rethinking Media and Popular Culture book: Why I Said No to Coca-Cola
Although people might think that the decision to sell soda in schools seemed insignificant, there could be potential consequences 20 years from now so it is important for school board members to highlight their priorities. In my opinion big corporate companies conduct a well stablished study to benefit their pockets in any action they do. Coca-Cola tried to get money and marketing by giving Cristiano Ronaldo a drink during a news interview and he declined it and said how he does not like soda and the corporate stocked fell.
Online Platform Tutorial: How to Use Canva?
How to use Canva:
Canva is a user-friendly online platform that allows you to create professional graphics, presentations, social media post, and more. This online platform saves you from having to use advanced design skills that would require you to take courses or pay someone a lot of money. Canvas provides a wide range of templates, design elements and customization options to help people make appealing content quickly and easily. If you want to learn how to use it please read below:
Step 1: Sign up and log in
Visit Canva's website (www.canva.com) and click on the "Sign up" button.
You can sign up using your email address.
Once you've signed up, log in to your Canva account.
Step 2: Dashboard
After logging in, you'll be directed to the Canva dashboard.
You can play around with the various design options available on the left side of the screen, such as "Templates," "Design types," and "Text."
Step 3: Choosing a design type or template
Canva has many design types, including social media posts, presentations, posters, flyers, and more.
You can start from a blank page on canva or choose from a variety of professionally designed templates.
Click on the design type or template that suits your needs.
Step 4: making your own design
Once you've selected a design type or template, you'll be taken to the design editor.
On the left side of the screen, you'll find different options to customize your design, (for example text)
To edit text, simply click on the existing text in the template and replace it with your own.
To change the background, click on the "Background" option on the left and choose from the available colors, patterns, or upload your own image.
Explore the "Elements" tab to add shapes, lines, or other visual elements to your design.
You can also upload your own images by clicking on the "Uploads" tab on the left side and selecting the images you want to use. This is actually a really cool feature that allows to give your design your own touches .
Step 5: Save and download your design
Once you're happy with your design, click on the "Download" button at the top right corner of the screen.
Choose the file type you want JPEG, PNG, and select the desired quality.
Click on the "Download" button, and your design will be saved to your computer.
That's it! You are ready to make an awesome Pecha Kucha and get an A+++ on CURR 501
Sugata Mitra, A School in the Cloud
After watching this Ted Talk I share the same thoughts as the presenter, where I am wondering what learning will look like tomorrow? Do we really need school in the future? Could it be that we are heading into a future where knowing is absolute? As I write this post I can think of school when I was in high school and there was less information on the internet available for research than there is today. To be able to research back in my high school days it was necessary to go to the library and talk to a librarian to get you the resources you needed. Nowadays students can have access to all journals and research materials to conduct research simply by logging into to a website. This is just one of the examples of what a decade can do in the world of technology.
In his Ted Talk, Sugata Mitra touches upon his experiments with self-directed learning in children using technology. Sometimes we hear how some parents might brag about how some kids may excel in technology, but are they just exposed to the technology? as opposed to someone who does not have the resources to use technology. He introduced the concept of the "hole in the wall" experiment, where he gave access to technology to children in impoverished areas and he observed their ability to learn independently without formal instructions. His test shows that children can learn and acquire knowledge through self-organized learning environments.
As an educator and my role in the online learning environment with young people, after watching this video I am thinking about the importance of fostering curiosity, autonomy and self-directed learning. By sparking curiosity, children will become eager to learn. This is where we can look at technology natives being the young people due to their potential to learn and explore on their own when provided with the right tools and resources. As a teacher this just makes me want to support and facilitate the learning process in the classroom by providing information, answering questions and offering guidance in the technology that I can incorporate into my classroom. I need to stay up to date in technology for example online simulating labs to be able to act as a resource to help young people explore their interest.
Another thing I think of technology is how it helps promote collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Online platforms give opportunities for young people to connect with others who share similar interest and passions which is why online gaming is very popular. One pledge I can make as an educator is to attend some PDs to learn about more educational platforms where students can engage with like-minded individuals and be able to collaborate on projects and learn from one another. Students should be given the opportunity to take control of their learning and explore their passions.
Thursday, June 29, 2023
1619 PROJECT BLOG
1) the content/structure of the podcast and 2) your thoughts on using podcasts with students/youth as an educational tool
The 1619 podcast is an example of the era where storytelling evolved beyond traditional mediums as it served as a beacon of traditional innovation and enlightenment. I was impressed by the content and the structure of this podcast which did an awesome job showing the impacts of slavery on American History. After having listen to this podcast it sparked my interest for utilizing podcasts as a dynamic educational tool in my classroom to be able to offer students a unique way to engage with complex subjects.
This podcast was meticulously crafted and unwraps the intricate layers of American history from a fresh perspective. Through story telling it is able to conduct historical analysis, personal accounts, and interviews with soundscapes. It is almost as intentional to use this format to make it feel like an intellectual time machine, which helps the listeners transport themselves to different eras to better understand the effects of slavery. The podcast structure allows for listeners to engage with complexities of systemic racism, economic disparities and cultural influences.
When I think of a podcast I think of students often wearing earbuds everywhere they go. Podcast will help captivate their minds by presenting the information in a conversational manner. They can learn on the go, whether it is at the gym, in the car or at work, just like I listened to this podcast as I was doing some yard work. Presenting the information this way allows for students to connect with historical events or complex ideas and it promotes active listening. Podcast also serve as a tool to provide an opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives and voices which can serve as a benefit to cultivate empathy, broaden worldviews and foster a deeper appreciation for history which to a lot of students might seem boring. In conclusion, I really am excited to use podcast in some of my classes, in particular environmental science as there is a lot of discussion around climate change that students can engage through podcast.
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How to use Canva: Canva is a user-friendly online platform that allows you to create professional graphics, presentations, ... -
Rethinking Media and Popular Culture book: Why I Said No to Coca-Cola This blog post is about the chapter I read titled Why I S...