Reflection

FROM CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM TO CONFIDENT EXCITEMENT

Reflecting on my journey through this integrating technology course, I feel even more excited and determined about the importance and impact technology can have on a classroom and its students. Initially, I was cautiously excited about the role of technology in education, but did not fully understand the positive impact that it could have on teaching and learning. I was a little skeptical and a bit worried that it could be a potential distraction or barrier to genuine human connection. However, this course has illuminated the immense potential that technology holds in transforming the learning experience for both myself and my students.

One of the key realizations I've had is that technology, when wielded with care and intention, can serve as an invaluable tool to enhance and amplify the educational process. It has the power to foster creativity, encourage collaboration, and inspire critical thinking in ways I hadn't previously considered. The various tools and platforms introduced in this course have opened my eyes to the vast array of resources that can enrich my teaching and engage students in ways that traditional methods simply cannot.

I've learned that technology can be the bridge that connects students to a world of information, ideas, and experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. It has the ability to make learning more interactive, adaptive, and personalized, catering to diverse learning styles and individual needs. Moreover, it has the potential to cultivate a sense of digital literacy and equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Beyond its educational benefits, I've also come to recognize the importance of teaching responsible and ethical technology use. As I delved deeper into the course, I realized the necessity of guiding students to become conscientious digital citizens, emphasizing the significance of online safety, credibility assessment, and respectful online behavior.

This course has highlighted the importance of striking a balance between technological integration and maintaining the human element within education. I've learned that technology should not replace traditional teaching methods, but rather complement them, serving as a catalyst for innovation and deeper learning experiences.

Overall, my perspective on technology in education has shifted from a cautious optimism to a confident and genuine excitement. I see it as a powerful tool that, when harnessed effectively, has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. As I look ahead, I am eager to implement the strategies and tools I've acquired, fostering a dynamic and immersive learning environment that prepares my students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Image Source: https://gifer.com/en/K18X

Teenagers and Social Media

TEENAGERS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Image Source: https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/3-ways-savvy-teens-can-showcase-themselves-using-social-media

I chose to explore the category of "Teenagers" and social media this week for two reasons. First, as a high school teacher I hope to gain some insight into my students and their social habits. And two, becuase I have a 12 year old and 8 year old and I know this topic is about to enter my house any minute now. Below are some thoughts on a few articles that I explored.

WE ASKED TEENAGERS WHAT ADULTS ARE MISSING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY. THIS WAS THE BEST RESPONSE.

The MIT Technology Review held an essay contest asking teenagers about what adults misunderstand about their generation and technology, Taylor Fang, the winning author, provided a compelling perspective. Fang emphasizes that social media isn't just a platform for social connections but a vital means for young people to cultivate and express their identities. Fang explains that while social media can have adverse effects, it also provides a sense of visibility and validation for teenagers, allowing them to represent themselves authentically. However, she advocates for a more nuanced understanding from adults and encourages them to engage in open conversations with teenagers about technology. Fang shares her personal journey, detailing how she eventually turned to creative writing as an alternative mode of self-representation, finding solace and identity away from the pressures of social media. She argues that the selfie, often dismissed as narcissistic, holds meaning as a form of self-expression, and urges adults to perceive it through a more empathetic lens. Fang's essay underscores the importance of recognizing the complex ways in which teenagers use technology, advocating for a shift in perspective from mere consumption to creative self-discovery.

WHEN IS YOUR BRAIN READY FOR SOCIAL MEDIA?

The article "When Is Your Brain Ready for Social Media?" by Derek Lartaud discusses the impacts of social media on young individuals and the challenges associated with determining an appropriate age for its usage. Despite the age restriction of 13 on most platforms, a notable percentage of 8 to 12-year-olds are active on social media, raising concerns about their vulnerability to potential risks such as data privacy breaches, cyberbullying, and exposure to online predators. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was implemented to safeguard children from data exploitation, recognizing them as a particularly vulnerable group. Studies indicate that while social media can potentially boost confidence and alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression among young teens, their developing brains are still highly susceptible to the emotional impacts of online interactions. The article raises pertinent questions about the appropriate age for social media use, considering both the potential advantages and risks associated with its early exposure.

THE SURGEON GENERALSAYS 13 IS TOO YOUNG FOR STUDENTS TO BE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. BUT, IS IT REALISTIC?

This article discusses the U.S. Surgeon General's assertion that 13 is too young for children to be on social media, suggesting that parents should consider restricting access until the ages of 16, 17, or even 18. While acknowledging the well-intentioned motives behind this proposal, the article argues that taking a proactive and positive approach to helping students navigate social media is more effective than implementing strict restrictions. The Surgeon General emphasizes concerns regarding the potential negative impact of social media on young teens, citing data suggesting that frequent use of social media can affect neural sensitivity, making them more vulnerable to social pressures online and offline.

Despite the challenges of enforcing age restrictions, the article stresses the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools to use social media responsibly. It offers several recommendations for educators to foster a healthy balance between online and offline activities, including designated tech-free time during school, encouraging offline hobbies, teaching respectful tech usage during conversations, and educating students about identifying and avoiding suspicious online content. The article concludes by highlighting the significance of maintaining a current understanding of online trends and fostering open discussions about responsible social media use.

REFLECTION

So, when are kids old enough for social media? I guess I'm not really sure, but personally I feel like the longer you can put it off the better. I am lucky in that my 12 year old son is not that interested...yet. He has several friends in the neighborhood and none of them have phones, but they do all have smartwatches that can make calls and send "canned" texts so they are able to communicate with one another. Plus, they all live close enough that they can walk or ride their bikes to each others' houses to see one another or hang out. In other words, he has not been left our or impacted by the fact that he does not have a phone or social media. He is still able to meet friends, socialize, and hit developmental milestones. However, I have a feeling in the next year or so this will all change as they get phones for birthday or Christmas gifts. Then I think the most important thing becomes communication and trust around the device and the various social media accounts. Educating young people about digital citizenship, appropriate useage, and healthy habits becomes paramount to nagivating this technology because as danah boyd explains, "Along with planes, running water, electricty, and motorized transportation, the internet is now a fundamental fact of modern life."

Image Source: https://twitter.com/actnforchildren

Digital Tattoos

DIGITAL FOOTPRINT VS DIGITAL TATTOO

The digital world we live in is permanent and, with each post, people are creating a digital tattoo. What was once called a digital footprint is now known as a digital tattoo because of the permanent nature of a person's actions and communications online. Once something is posted online, it can be difficult or impossible to remove completely, which can have lasting implications for people's personal and professional lives.

Image Source: @sylviaduckworth

It is important to be aware of these implications and to take steps to manage your digital tattoo responsibly. Information that you share, comments you make, and sites you search on could be seen by a school that you are applying to or a potential employer years in the future. Your digital tattoo can be both good and bad. It could show impressive things you have accomplished that you are proud of or it could show things that you might be embarassed about later. Remember to be mindful of the information you share online and the content you create.

DATA MINING YOURSELF

Data mining yourself referes to the process of collecting, analyzing, and extracting insights from your personal data. This can include information from your digital activites, such as social media posts, online purchases, health and fitness data, browsing history, and more. The goal is to gain a better understanding of your own behavior, preferences, patterns, and online presence, which can be valuable for self-improvement, decision-making, or simply self-awareness. It is important to note that data mining yourself can be a sensitive topic, as it involves collecting and analyzing your personal data. 

THE RESULTS

I began the process of data mining myslef by starting with a simple Google Search of my name was a little surprised by what all I could find. First, there are several Peter Drinans out there, one is a chef and entrepreneur, one is an accountant, and one is also a teacher. 

Image Source: screen capture of Google Search

After sigting throught the results there were things that I found that seemed pretty mundane like my social media accounts (Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter), my profile and contact info on my school's website, and a link to my blog. However, I also came across several other things that surprised me a bit, likemy grandfather's obituary, a link to a podcast I hosted years ago, registration information and times for 5ks that I participated in, and old newspaper articles from a school I used to work at.

If I could find all of this with just a Google Search, what could I find if I looked a little deeper? So I expanded my search a bit by looking at Facebook and X/Twitter. What I found on Facebook was more or less what I expected; just a whole bunch of pictures with family, friends, and my wife and kids. I joined Facebook pretty late in the game and have the privacy settings set fairly high so that I can control the majority of what gets posted there. The same was true with X/Twitter until I searched "Mr. Drinan." I couldn't believe the number of posts from 7-10 years ago from my previous school and from former students that were out there.

Image Source: @NazartethLGP

Image Source@NazarethLGP

There were pictures from when I dressed as a drop of blood for an National Honor Society Blood Drive, pictures from when I played tennis in a P.E. class, and numerous references from former students.

Now I was hooked! I had to see what else I could find. So I tried a few more sites like Nuwber, Radaris, and People Finder. I was shocked at what I found! There was the standard info like my name, age, and date of birth, but I also found professional records, a list of relatives, addresses of former residences, and even lists of neighors that own the surrounding properties.

Image Source: Radaris

Image Source: Radaris

I began to wonder how much info I could find. So I went even further; I searched PeekYou, Fast People Seach, and Zaba Search. At this point much of what I was finding was not new information. However, I did find some detailed information on my home address, home value, and taxes.

Image Source: Fast People Search

From my deep dive into my online presence I learned a few things. First was that there was little to no information that I found that I was truly uncomfortable with being available. I'm not crazy about my address and property value and taxes being out there, but it is public record so there is little that I can do about it. Second was that I need to grow my "brand." My online presence is not very robust. I was late to join social media which has its advantages and disadvantages, but I have yet to harness its power for good and that is something that I look forward to doing as I continue to learn and grow as an educator.

Accessibility

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning, UDL, is an educational framework aimed at making learning accessible to all students, regardless of their individual abilities, learning styles, or differences. UDL recognizes that learners have diverse needs and preferences, and it seeks to provide multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to accomodate these differences. UDL is all about designing and delivering instruction in a flexible and inclusive way, allowing students to access and engage with content in a manner that suits their unique learning profiles. It involves offering various options for how information is presented, how students can interact with it, and how they can demonstrate their understanding, ultimatley fostering greater equity and inclusivity in education.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility refers to the ability of all users, including those with disabilities, to use a product or service. In the context of education, accessibility means that all students should be able to access and participate in learning experiences, regardless of their disibility. Together, UDL and accessibility level the playing field for all students, create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment, and prepare students for success in college and the workforce.

When learning experiences are designed with UDL and accessibility in mind, all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed, regardless of their abilities. Additionally, when students feel like they are welcome and supported in the classroom, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn. Lastly, it is essential for everyone to have the skills to use technology and access information in a variety of formats.

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES ON THE IPAD

I teach at a private school that offeres limited to no accomodations for students so I have very little knowledge in UDL or what accesibility features any of our devices have to offer. Since the students are 1:1 iPAd I thought that looking at what features this device has to offer would be a great place to start. In doing some research I discovered that the iPad provides a multitude of accessibility features and settings to support a user's vision, mobility, hearing, speech, and cognitive needs. These features make the iPad easier to use whether you need them temporarily of on an ongoing basis.

Image Source: Author Created

The iPad has a wide range of accessibility features that make it easier for people with disabilities to use. These features are grouped into five categories:

• Vision: VoiceOver, Zoom, Invert Colors, Reduce Transparency, Increase Contrast, Smart Invert, Color Filters, Spoken Content, On-Screen Keyboard, Switch Control
• Mobility: AssitiveTouch, Voice Control, Switch Control, Full Keyboard Access, Home Button Gestures, Slow Keys, Repeat Keys, Sticky Keys
• Hearing: Hearing Aids, Mono Audio, Live Captions, Bacground Sounds
• Speech: Speak Selection, Type to Siri, Select to Speak, Speak Auto-Text, Speak Screen
• Cognitive: Reduce Motion, Increase Bold Text, On/Off Labels, Guided Access, Assitive Touch

The iPad also has a number of other accessibility features that can be helpful for people with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and ADHD. For example the iPad has a "Reduce Motion" feature that can reduce the amount of animation and motion on the screen which can be helpful for people with ADHD. The iPad also has a "Guided Access" feature that can restrict your iPad to a single app and prevent you from leaving the app or changing settings, which again can be helpful for people with ADHD.

RESOURCES

Below are some additional resources on the accessibility features on the iPad.

• Learn more about vision-related accessibilty features
• Learn more about mobility-related accessibility features
• Learn more about hearing-related accessibility features
• Learn more about speech-related accessibility features
• Learn more about cognitive-related accessibility features

Professional Learning Network (PLN)

PLNs

A Professional Learning Netwrok (PLN) is a group of people and resources that you connect with to learn and grow. It can be made up of friends, colleagues, mentors, online communities, and other resources that you find valuable. PLNs are important becuase they help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field, learn new skills, and get feedback on your work. They can also provide you with support and motivation.

Image Source: @sylviaduckworth

BENEFITS

Some of the many benefits of a PLN include access, opportunities, and support. Your PLN can include people from all over the world with different backgrounds and perspective. This gives you access to a wider range of knowledge and expertise than you could get on your own. PLNs are also a great way to connect with people who are working on similar things as you. You can collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. Your PLN can provide you with support and motivation as you work towards your goals. You can turn to your PLN members for advice, feedback, and encouragement.

X/TWITTER

Click HERE to follow me on X/Twitter. @prdrinan

Image Source: personal photo

I have had a X/Twitter account for a number of years, but have rarely used it. I went to a week long Google Conference years ago and Twitter was used as the main form of communication so I created a profile, but since then it has esentially sat dormant. So when this assignment was posted I was a little nervous, but also a little excited. Would I remember my password? Could I keep up with the pace of a "Twitter Chat?" What even is a "Twitter Chat?" Could I find some useful reources?

Since it had been so long since I had used X/Twitter I needed to reaquaint myself with the platform. I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I remembered and how easy it was to navigate. I updated my profile picture, background, info and then got to work on finding some people and organizations to follow. At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of resources that are available, but as I continued to explore I found some really great resources. For example, I found this "Sets Search" activity:

Image Source: @texasmathteacher

This "word search" is actually entirely made up of different number sets, like evens less than 20, odds greater than 5, factors of 12, etc. What a great and unique way to talk about number sets! I can't wait to use this in my Algebra classes!

X/TWITTER CHAT

Finding a Twitter Chat to participate in was a bit challengning, but I was able to take part in a #wiredwednesday on September 27, 2023. The topic was Reflection and Goal Setting for Students. At first I had a hard time keeping up with all of the posts and who posted what. The posts come in very quickly and at the same time, but luckily there were only about 10 of us participating so I was able to keep up. It also took me a minute to fully understand the ettiquette involve, i.e. reposting the question to which I was responding. I didn't do this the first time, but did on my subsequent answers.

Image Source: Personal Photo

Overall I thought the Twitter Chat was a positive experience. I enjoyed getting to "talk" with educators around the globe about our craft in a very supportive environment. It is definitely something that I will do again in the future.