13 Matching Annotations
  1. May 2025
    1. Throughout the history of educational technology, a majority of scholars emphasized the possibilities of technology; however, several scholars emerged as contrarians and technology Cassandras. For example, Postman (1993/2011), McLuhan and Fiore (1967), and Turkle (1984) cautioned that technologies created new environments, fundamentally altering individuals and society. Cuban (2009) famously critiqued technologies as “oversold and underused,” while Feenberg (1991) argued that technologies increase inequality and threaten democracy if society fails to democratize the use of technologies. Watters (2020) scrutinized educational technology’s historical (and failed) attempts to “personalize” education. Selwyn (2016) reminded the field to explore technologies as socially embedded and to take a broader and, often, a more global, perspective to consider the potential harms of technologies.

      This quote stands out because it presents a more critical lens on educational technology, one that challenges the common belief that more tech always means better learning. Cuban’s phrase “oversold and underused” reflects the reality that many tools don’t live up to their promises in the classroom. Feenberg’s warning about inequality and democracy highlights the broader social impact of tech use. As a future teacher, this pushes me to think more deeply about why I use certain technologies, not just how. It’s a reminder that I need to be thoughtful, inclusive, and critical in my approach to ed tech.

    1. "Design shapes our ability to access, participate in, and contribute to the world."

      This powerful quote from Kat Holmes emphasizes that design is not neutral, it directly impacts inclusion, opportunity, and equity. When applied to education, it reminds me that the way we design learning environments, tools, and systems can either support or hinder students' ability to thrive. As a future educator, this encourages me to be intentional about creating accessible, inclusive, and participatory learning experiences. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about justice and belonging in the classroom.

    1. Luckily, there is a framework that rejects these one-size-fits-all solutions and empowers educators to proactively design learning experiences so all students can increase their brainpower and accelerate and own their learning. The framework is Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

      This quote captures the heart of what makes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) such a powerful approach. It centers student needs and rejects a one-size-fits-all mindset. As a future teacher, I’m inspired by the idea of designing lessons that offer flexibility and multiple pathways for engagement and expression. UDL encourages me to think ahead about how I can support all learners from the start, rather than making adjustments after challenges arise. It’s about being proactive, inclusive, and student-centered.

    1. They demonstrate an ability to manage their personal data and examine how it is being used andtracked by other

      This quote highlights the long-term impact of students’ digital behavior and the importance of teaching responsible online habits. It reminds me that digital citizenship is more than just avoiding harm, it’s about actively building a positive presence online. As a future educator, I want to help students understand that what they post, share, and engage with online can follow them into college and careers. Teaching students to manage their digital footprint thoughtfully is just as important as teaching traditional academic skills in today’s world.

    1. Each part of the SAMR model is valuable in different contexts.

      This quote emphasizes that the SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition) is not a rigid hierarchy, but rather a flexible framework. It reminds me that technology integration should be purposeful and context-driven. Sometimes a simple substitution is all that's needed, while in other situations, redefinition can unlock entirely new learning experiences. As a future teacher, this helps me think more critically about how I use tech, not aiming for the “highest” level, but the most effective one for my students and learning goals.

    1. This is a huge shift from how we viewed the privacy of our communications during the analog era.

      This quote highlights how dramatically our expectations of privacy have changed in the digital age. In the past, there were clear legal protections around private communication, like phone calls. But now, with digital tools and platforms, those lines are much blurrier, especially when it comes to what companies and governments can access. As a future educator, this reminds me that teaching digital literacy isn’t just about using tools, it’s also about helping students understand their rights, how data is collected, and how to protect their privacy online.

    1. The ability of these programs to improve our lives is what makes them a beneficial technology to our everyday experiences, as well as our education systems.

      This quote captures the heart of why educational technology matters; not just as a convenience, but as a meaningful way to enhance learning and daily life. When thoughtfully selected and implemented, digital tools can support students’ engagement, understanding, and access to content. It reminds me to focus on tools that have a clear, positive impact and not just use technology for the sake of it. As a future teacher, I want to make intentional choices that truly support student growth and make learning more inclusive and effective.

    1. Apps and digital tools targeted to teachers as “free” often come with underlying costs.

      This quote is a powerful reminder that "free" doesn't always mean free in the truest sense, especially in education technology. Many tools marketed to teachers may collect data, include advertisements, or require payments for full access after a trial period. As a future educator, I need to be cautious and critical when selecting digital tools, not only considering the monetary cost but also potential privacy concerns, limitations, and hidden features behind paywalls. This reinforces the importance of reading terms of service and understanding what I'm agreeing to before bringing tools into the classroom.

    1. With the continued adoption of mobile devices worldwide, instructional methods and tools that deliver content using mobile technology will continue to grow and therefore warrant their own assessment category.

      This quote highlights the growing importance of mobile technology in education and the need to evaluate instructional methods specifically designed for these devices. As mobile use becomes more widespread, educators must consider how to effectively deliver content that is accessible and engaging on phones and tablets. This reminds me that, as a future teacher, I’ll need to stay informed about emerging mobile tools and how to assess their effectiveness to support diverse learners in various settings.

    1. If we want to build accessibility design thinking into the UX process, then one of the best methods is to have a persona with a disability.

      This quote underscores the importance of intentionally including diverse user experiences; especially those of people with disabilities, in the design process. By creating personas that represent individuals with various disabilities, designers can better anticipate challenges and create more inclusive, accessible products. This approach aligns with the broader goal of equity in education technology, reminding me that thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics or usability, but about ensuring everyone can access and benefit from educational tools. It encourages me, as a future educator, to advocate for and use resources that consider a wide range of learner needs.

    1. In some households, everyone shares a single device or students may only have access to devices provided by theschool or available in public libraries. Some students may not have high-speed Internet access (or any access at all) tobe able to stream class lecture videos or download interactive simul

      This quote brings attention to the digital divide many students face, reminding me that access to technology and the internet is not equal for all learners. It highlights the importance of being aware of students’ home resources when planning lessons that require devices or online activities. As a future teacher, I realize that I need to check students’ access to Wi-Fi and consider alternatives like mobile hotspots or offline materials to ensure all students can participate fully. This insight emphasizes that equity in education includes bridging technology gaps to avoid unintentionally leaving some students behind.

    1. As educators, we must strive to create fully accessible learning environments for our students. This requires designinginclusive learning environments and evaluating the accessibility of digital tools and apps before using them in theclassroom to ensure all learners have the same opportunities to access and engage with course content.75

      This quote highlights the critical responsibility educators have to ensure equity in learning by making environments accessible to all students. It reminds me that inclusivity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for fair education. The emphasis on evaluating digital tools before using them is especially important in today’s tech-driven classrooms, where some apps or resources may unintentionally exclude learners with disabilities. This reinforces the need for me, as a future teacher, to be diligent about choosing tools that support diverse learning needs and to advocate for accessibility in all aspects of teaching.

    1. A PLN is made up of people, spaces, AND tools that support your ongoing learning and professional growth

      This quote stands out because it expands the idea of a Personal Learning Network beyond just the people we connect with. It emphasizes that the environments we engage in and the tools we use are equally important. As a future teacher, this reminds me that professional growth doesn't happen in isolation. I need to be intentional about the spaces I frequent (like online forums or conferences) and the tools I rely on (like note-taking apps or blogs). It’s also a good reminder that building a PLN isn’t just about networking, it’s about continuously seeking resources and environments that push my thinking, reflect diverse perspectives, and keep me engaged in lifelong learning.