16 Matching Annotations
  1. May 2023
    1. Additionally, although this article centers issues of race and culture, it is not meant to exclude or ignore other injustices in the matrix of oppression. Examining the nexus of justice within educational technology and teacher education is much more complex and spans intersections beyond the scope of this article. We recommend further explorations of other embedded systems of injustice, including but not limited to ableism, ageism, classism, settler-colonialism, heterosexism, and patriarchy.

      While the article may center on issues of race and culture, it is important to acknowledge that educational technology and teacher education intersect with many other systems of oppression. These systems of oppression must be acknowledged and addressed in order to create a more equitable and inclusive education system that empowers all learners. All people are created equal, and as educators, we should strive to create an environment where all people have equal access to education. We can work to create a more just and equitable educational space for all students. It is critical to recognize that these systems of oppression are intertwined and affect different groups of students differently.

    1. UDL is a framework for designing learning experiences so students have options for how they learn, what materials they use, and how they demonstrate their learning. When implemented with a lens of equity, the framework has the potential to eliminate opportunity gaps that exclude many learners, especially those who have been historically marginalized. If we want all students to have equal opportunities to learn, we have to be incredibly purposeful, proactive, and flexible. UDL creates a learning environment that is the least restrictive and most culturally responsive, trauma-informed environment for all students.

      Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a powerful framework for creating inclusive learning experiences that meet the needs of all students, regardless of background, ability, or learning preferences. By providing a variety of ways to perform, express, and engage, UDL promotes flexible and personalized learning experiences that enable students to enter, engage, and succeed in the classroom. I believe UDL has the potential to eliminate opportunity gaps and create a more just and inclusive learning environment for all learners. By acknowledging and addressing the structural and systemic barriers that have historically marginalized certain students, UDL can help educators create more culturally responsive and trauma-informed classrooms that recognize and value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students.

    1. In practice, inclusive design and design justice are challenging to achieve. They require constant reevaluation of the design choices we make in order to recognize how each choice can open up new forms of exclusion and barriers for learners. Working toward inclusive design and design justice involves listening to learners, being willing to learn sometimes hard and painful lessons, and adjusting designs based on learners' input.

      Inclusive designs and design justice implementations are both complex and challenging because they require a deep understanding of the diverse needs, perspectives, and experiences of the people who will use the products, environments, and systems being designed. It is important to recognize that each design choice has the potential to create or reinforce barriers and exclusions. It is therefore necessary to continually reassess and adapt designs to ensure that they are as inclusive and equitable as possible. In addition, achieving inclusive design and design justice requires a willingness to listen to learners and a willingness to accept feedback, even when it is difficult or hard to hear. It also involves a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Recognize that the design process is never complete, but rather an ongoing journey to greater equity, inclusion, and social justice.

  2. Apr 2023
    1. In educational settings, behaviorism is most closely connected to positive and negative reinforcement, like when a student gets immediate feedback (“you are correct! Great job!”) on their behavior (solving a math equation). Digital games, flashcards, and interactive quiz tools are well-suited for behaviorist learning experiences since they support stimulus-response learning through immediate feedback.

      Designed to provide students with immediate feedback, these tools can reinforce desired behaviors and help students learn through trial and error. However, it is important to note that behaviorism is not the only theory of learning and that other approaches may also have a place in educational settings. Emphasize the importance of learners actively constructing their own knowledge and understanding through exploration, collaboration, and reflection. As with any instructional strategy or tool, teachers must consider the goals of the curriculum and the needs of the learners. Effective teaching and learning requires a flexible approach that utilizes a variety of strategies and tools to support diverse learners and achieve desired learning outcomes.

    1. Have you ever discovered a new digital tool on social media, or from a conversation with a colleague or friend, and thought, “I’m going to use that in class tomorrow,” and then designed a lesson entirely around the digital tool only to discover, after doing the exit tickets for the day, students learned more about the tool than the content?

      Discovering new digital tools can be exciting, and incorporating them into the curriculum can make the classroom more engaging and interactive for students. However, it is important for teachers to ensure that the tool is being used to support the learning objectives and not distract them. When designing a course around a new digital tool, it is important to consider how it fits into the learning objectives and how it can be used to enhance students' understanding of the content. If the tool ends up being the focus of the course rather than the content, it may not be the most effective use of class time. It is also important to gather feedback from students to see how they respond to the tool and to make adjustments if necessary. This can help ensure that the tool is used in a way that supports student learning and engagement.

    1. I hope that they pass something because the whole nation deserves some protections, not just certain states. There are improvements that they should make on transparency. For example, if Facebook’s privacy policy says, “We use information about groups you follow to personalize ads,” as opposed to if they say, “We use the content of your communications to personalize ads,” I think most consumers would think of those as different. Some people may be more comfortable with one rather than the other.

      The desire to provide comprehensive protection for everyone in the country, not just certain states. Regarding transparency, the importance of using clear and precise language in privacy policies has been well accepted. Consumers should be able to understand how companies like Facebook use their data, and using clear, simple language in privacy policies can help achieve that goal. This example highlights the difference in perception, depending on how the information is presented. Ultimately, it is important that consumers have access to transparent and meaningful information about how their data is used so they can make informed decisions about whether to share it.

    1. Teachers could also examine the following circumstances in which ethical concerns increase when using personalized learning systems: Teacher control or understanding of the program, app, or extension decreases Integration of the data collected by the company and classroom activities increases The type and amount of student data collected by the company increases Any data is used to refine software programs

      I think this concern is right on. It is an important issue for teachers to consider when using personalized learning systems. With less control or understanding of the program, teachers may be less aware of how the software is affecting their students. and may inadvertently introduce ethical issues into the classroom. In addition, the integration of data collected by the software and classroom activities may increase ethical issues around privacy and data use. Teachers should know what data is being collected, how it is being used, and whether it is necessary for the operation of the software. The more data that is collected, the greater the potential for privacy violations and misuse of student information. This is not a responsibility that teachers can assume on their own. Teachers should be aware of how data is being used to improve software programs. If the data is used to improve the performance of the program, this can be beneficial to the students. However, if the data is used for commercial purposes, this may raise ethical concerns about student privacy and exploitation.

    1. Apps and digital tools targeted to teachers as “free” often come with underlying costs. Many tools used in the classroom, such as Canva, a graphic illustrator tool, or Wakelet, a digital curation app, require you to register for an account to use the tool. When you register for an account, you are usually asked to share personally identifiable information, like your name, email address, age, and/or gender. You will also be asked to review and accept the end-user license agreement or terms of service, which may involve giving away even more data, such as your IP address, device information, browser information, geolocation, and Internet browsing data.

      These comments reveal a common problem in the digital world, where seemingly free tools and apps come at a hidden cost in the form of user data. Many digital tools and apps require users to register and share personally identifiable information, as well as other data, in exchange for using the service. I have experienced this deeply and countless times. While there are benefits to using these tools, including the convenience and efficiency they provide, we must be aware of the potential risks involved. It is important to carefully review the terms of service and end user license agreements to understand how our data will be used, who will have access to it, and what rights we have over our own information. In addition, educators have a responsibility to protect student privacy and should carefully consider the implications of using third-party tools that collect student data. This includes being transparent with students and their families about the tools being used and seeking alternatives that prioritize privacy.

    1. Tech Support / Help Availability. When technical problems or lack of user know-how impairs the function of a tool, users must know where to turn for help. Timely support helps instructors feel comfortable and competent with e-learning tools and helps students self-regulate their learning.5 While such support can come from a variety of sources—including peers, experts, IT staff, and help documentation—we believe that the optimal support is localized, up-to-date, responsive to users' needs, and timely. Such support is often best provided either through campus-based technical support or through robust support from the platform itself.

      Technical issues or lack of user knowledge can quickly hinder the learning process, which is why it is imperative to have adequate support. Providing localized, up-to-date, and responsive help is a game changer for both instructors and students. Instructors feel more comfortable and empowered to use e-learning tools when they know they can ask someone for help. Meanwhile, students can self-regulate their learning more effectively when they have access to timely support. Regardless of the source, however, it is critical that the support is up-to-date and tailored to the needs of the user. This ensures that learners and instructors have the help they need when they need it, which can help them stay engaged and motivated in the learning process.

    1. The same principle applies to your online learning environment. Standardize the organization and language used for recurring course elements. For example, if a course uses the convention “Module #”, carry that forward across all content items. As elements are repeated, learners will build familiarity with activity and content types and their associated expectations.

      Standardizing the organization and language used to repeat course elements is an excellent strategy for creating a consistent and easy to follow online learning environment. When learners encounter familiar language and structure, they can more easily navigate course content and activities. By using conventions like "module #" for all content items, learners will know what to expect and can focus on learning the material rather than figuring out how to access it. This approach also makes it easier for instructors to develop and deliver online courses because they can use templates and standard formats for course materials. By reducing the time and effort required to create new content, instructors can focus on improving the quality of the learning experience.

  3. Mar 2023
    1. With this model, the onus is no longer on persons with disabilities but in the society. Instead of trying to fix or cure a person with a disability, it is up to the society to drive social integration and acceptance. As UX designers, we should take environmental, social and attitudinal barriers into consideration. For example, a common environmental barrier for users is being able to see the screen under bright sunlight. This barrier applies to both visually impaired users and ‘normal’ users. If we take this barrier into consideration, then we will design a solution with large fonts and strong colour contrast.

      I agree that the responsibility for providing access to people with disabilities should not fall solely on the individual, but more so on society. It is important to recognize that people with disabilities have the right to participate fully in society, and that products and services should be designed to be inclusive and accessible to all users. It is important to consider not only the technical aspects of design, but also the social and environmental factors that may affect the usability and accessibility of our products. Addressing environmental barriers to screen visibility in bright sunlight is an important step toward creating inclusive designs. By implementing large fonts and strong color contrasts, we can make on-screen information more accessible to both visually impaired users and non-visually impaired users who may experience the same issues.

    1. The design of the tool plays an important role in understandability as well. Tools and apps should not provide too much information at once (causing cognitive overload) or feature advertisements or extraneous materials that can distract the learner. Additionally, the tool navigation should be consistent, simple, and easy to follow and remember. Well-designed, understandable tools allow the user to focus their attention on learning rather than navigating or remembering how to navigate the tool.

      The design of a tool or application plays a critical role in making it easy to understand. A well-designed tool can help users focus on learning rather than being distracted by irrelevant information or complicated navigation. Providing too much information at once can lead to cognitive overload, making it difficult for users and learners to process and retain the information. Therefore, tools and applications should be designed to present information in a clear, concise, and organized manner. The presence of advertisements or irrelevant material can also distract learners from their primary goal. Therefore, it is critical to eliminate any such distractions to ensure that learners are able to focus on their learning.

    2. If a tool allows users to export files in multiple, generally compatible formats (e.g., .pdf, .jpg, .doc), students will have the flexibility to post and present their work on different platforms, such as a class website, ebook, interactive document, or social media platform.

      This statement is accurate and much needed, emphasizing an important aspect of learning with digital tools and apps - the ability to share student work with teachers and others for feedback and engagement. Providing students with the flexibility to export their files in a variety of compatible formats not only makes it easier for them to share their work across multiple platforms, but also ensures that their work is seen by a wider audience. In addition, sharing students' work with a real audience can greatly enhance their learning experience and motivation. It provides students with an opportunity to get feedback from experts and peers and helps them connect their learning to real-world applications. This is very important and learning by doing can help build students' self-confidence and level of understanding of the subject.

    1. In each class we teach there is a unique mix of personalities, mindsets and learning dispositions, alone we are likely to face new challenges meeting the needs of this mix of learners but collectively it is almost guaranteed that a colleague somewhere will have confronted a similar scenario. Within this collective intellect we will find answers to many of the questions we confront, new approaches, alternate plans of action and a great pool of resources to draw upon.

      Each student in the class has a unique set of needs, learning styles and preferences. It is your responsibility as an educator to ensure that their individual learning needs are catered to. Meeting the individual needs of each student alone can be quite challenging. As teachers, sharing best practices, discussing different teaching strategies, and seeking advice from our peers can help us better understand our students and improve our teaching. By pooling our collective wisdom, we can benefit from a wealth of knowledge, resources, and experiences that can help us address the challenges we face in the classroom. In addition, collaborative learning helps foster a sense of community among educators. By working together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds, learning styles, or abilities.

  4. Feb 2023
    1. Specifically, PLNs can support educators’ affective, cognitive, identity, and social growth (Trust et al. 2016). Affective growth refers to changes in emotions, dispositions, and attitudes. For example, educators might feel more invigorated after participating in a Twitter chat or become more willing to try new teaching practices based on inspiration from a keynote speech.

      Through this passage, I found that by engaging in social learning in practice and distributed among different people, spaces, and tools, educators can experience emotional, cognitive, identity, and social growth. And this was the first time I learned that PLNs can support emotional growth by creating opportunities for educators to engage with peers, share experiences, and exchange ideas that inspire and uplift them. Cognitive growth is also a key benefit of PLNs. At the same time, educators are exposed to new information, ideas, and resources through PLNs, which can help them develop their expertise and skills. In this way, these educators can reflect on their practice, and they can continue to improve their teaching methods, ultimately benefiting their students.

    1. Reading posts and listening to others can help you discover new ideas and tools and even spark creative thinking about how to use technology in your classroom. Retweeting and sharing ideas provided by others can help you build your digital reputation and network for further learning. Asking for advice, resources, and ideas is a direct way to find digital tools and apps you can use immediately in your practice. Engaging in thoughtful conversations might lead to changes in the way you teach with technology or think about teaching. Collaborating with others can result in the development of new digitally enhanced lesson plans and learning activities.

      I completely agree with this statement. Retweeting and sharing ideas provided by others can help build an educator's digital reputation. By sharing valuable resources and insights, educators can connect with like-minded professionals and collaborate with them. Asking for suggestions, resources and ideas is an effective way to find digital tools and applications that educators can use immediately in their teaching practice. Engaging in thoughtful conversations can also lead to changes in the way educators teach with technology or think about teaching and learning. Finally, writing or presenting your own ideas allows you to gain advice, feedback, or insights from others to support your own professional growth. By sharing their insights and experiences, educators can help others learn and grow, while also enhancing their own skills and knowledge.