I chose to respond to the Tackling Tech article by Nadine Yousif. The article focuses on how technology affects students in Canadian classrooms. While technological devices can be great teaching tools in the classroom, they can also have a strong negative effect on students, causing them to become distracted.

The Globe and Mail article involves Yousif focusing on a couple of teachers at St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener, Ontario. Matthew Acheson, who teaches Grade 11 and 12, and Sean Zister, who teaches Grade 9 geography and religion. The two each use an invention created to prevent students from using their device in the classroom, thus resulting in becoming distracted. While the technological era continues to evolve, Canadian schools and school boards have each adopted their own device policies, exemplifying that technology is seen as more of a hinderance, rather than as help. In hopes of managing this issue, teachers have tried many methods of separating students from their devices including having students place their smartphones in clear boxes at the beginning of class, at the front of the room. While this option is more traditional, there are two new alternatives that can be used to regulate cellphone usage in classroom; the Yondr and Resistor Case.

The Yondr Case, created by Graham Dugoni, is a “specialized pouch that then locks, blocking any access to WiFi and social media apps” (Yousif, 2018) . In order to unlock the case, the student must visit an unlocking base that is controlled by their teacher. Similarly, the Resistor Case, created by University of Waterloo’s Critical Media Lab director Marcel O’Gorman, was created to achieve the same results. The Resistor Case “is designed to hold the students’ devices at their desk for the duration of the class, however it does not lock” (Yousif, 2018). It comes as a Do-It-Yourself kit that includes vinyl, Velcro, nails and duct tape. Since the sound of Velcro is loud and noticeable when ripped apart, its purpose is to make students think a bit harder about reaching for their device, making them understand the idea of self-regulation. Acheson and Zister both found each case to have positive impacts on their students. The Yondr Case caused Acheson’s class average to increase by eight percentage points.

Before engaging with Yousif’s article, I already had a strong sense of annoyance whenever I saw students in my placement trying to hide their cellphones in their lap or desk. After reading this article, I decided to research each case to learn more about how to purchase them. Both brands actually offer packages for schools where the pouches are available in bulk. I personally would like to see these products in more schools across Ontario, as I have noticed technology to be a drawback and distraction in previous placements. If schools across Canada implemented these cases into each classroom the element of distraction could be eliminated, resulting in student success. The article states that Premier Doug Ford has suggest an outright ban on cellphones in schools to “maximize learning time”, similar to the French movement of banning cellphones on school property entirely. I believe a line should be drawn as there are both many pros and cons to having devices in the classroom. While I do not completely agree with a ban altogether, I do believe educators, schools and school boards collectively should have better control on personal devices. To some, I believe they could think cases like Yondr and Resistor are extreme. To me, I believe they are necessary. Educators through the years, and even I in my placements have tried time and time again to separate students from their phones. Traditional methods do not work, these cases are next level inventions that are the answers to our prayers. I am thankful I have been introduced to both the Yonder and Resistor cases, as I had never heard of them prior to reading this article. Yousif’s article got me thinking of introducing the idea of protective device cases in my future classroom, should traditional methods be unsuccessful.

With that in mind, I decided to create an infographic. I wanted to capture the attention of educators and school administration by presenting them with facts and testimonials about each phone case, much like an advertisement would. To create this, I used the infographic template on Canva, and manipulated it to fit my personal liking and design.

In the article “Laptops, Classrooms, and Matters of Electrate Concern” A. Reid discusses technology use in the classroom. A study by Susan Payne Carter, Kyle Greenberg, and Michael Walker has recently shown that students who use laptops in classrooms do not perform as well as students without laptops. The author thinks that there could be possible reasons for this. Firstly, he states that students who use their computers during class could be doing other things such as surfing the internet or messaging friends, drawing their attention away from class. Second, using computers to take notes is less effective than using a pen and paper. Another possible explanation could be that professors could be interacting differently to those who do use computers. The author thinks that both teachers and students have not yet figured out hot to learn and work in this media-cognitive ecology because technology is often pulling us in different directions. He also thinks that in our courses we go on as if the conditions for learning have not changed over the years. He suggests that as a faculty we rethink or curriculum and the way we teach since it operates in a different way than before. What we do know is very limited. We should not just accept what is handed to us, both with digital and non digital practices. It is easy to just stick to lectures and exams instead of venturing out to what we are not familiar with. In the future we need to start experimenting more. Change is not going to occur immediately, but come about slowly. It is important that we create new learning environments that go hand in hand with the curriculum.

Technology in the classroom definitely has its pros and cons. I agree with the beginning of this article and Reid’s reasons why students who use laptops may have lower scores. I reacted to this article so strongly because in my undergrad I used my laptop for almost every class and very easily got distracted on it. I was the student surfing the internet and messaging my friends. Most of my classes were taught in French so I very easily got distracted and zoned out, and this was reflected in some of my marks. I also found it easier to memorize notes and take in information when I was writing it instead of typing it. It was so much easier to write because there are so many accents in French and I would constantly have to add them in if I was typing. This does not mean that technology shouldn’t be allowed in the classroom. Technology in the classroom can be very distracting but I do think it should be allowed. In my opinion technology can help with learning as well. To me, technology should not be the main part of the lesson, but should be there to enhance learning. The teacher should still teach part of the lesson using non digital tools, this way students are paying attention and aren’t distracted, but can later use the technology to further help students grasp the key parts of the lesson. In my placements I often used videos on the iPads to help my students understand the lesson. I always taught the lesson first and then used the technology in small parts throughout the main lesson. In today’s times where technology is becoming bigger and bigger, it is important to incorporate it into the students’ learning. Before reading this post I thought that technology was a valuable asset in the classroom. I still think this but have gained some new information on the topic. The most important thing that I received from this article is that we need to keep experimenting with technology. Changes won’t be made if we don’t try. It will be a slow change but we will see the change occur. Moving forward I am going to try new programs and apps that I could incorporate into my lessons. I think it is important for teacher’s to share as well. Share what you have found, what works and what doesn’t. We are all in this together!  

I decided to create a Sketchnote of the article that I read. Here (Laptops or No Laptops) is a pdf version with a bigger version of the image.

Throughout history, we have seen new technologies and innovations that have revolutionized our everyday lives. The invention of the cellular telephone in 1973 has changed the way we communicate, and with the advancement in smartphone technology, we have access to a vast wealth of information through a device that fits into the palm of our hand. What is considered one of the most incredible inventions in modern history, however, has created a massive fissure in an already problematic educational system.

The article, ‘Tackling Tech: How some Ontario teachers are attempting to limit students’ cellphone use’  looks at how an Ontario High School began using individualized pouches (specifically Yondr pouches in this case) students can store their devices in while in the classroom as a means to limit distractions and curb use. According to the article, teachers have seen the method of these pouches have proven to be more effective at curbing cell phone use than a total ban. already noticed an increase in the grade point averages for the classes using these pouches. An obvious observation, by students not having access to their phones during instruction time, they are much more attentive, engaged and less distracted. The result; a deeper understanding of the classroom material and better grades.

Teachers argue both sides. There are those that see the positive aspects as a result of devices in the classroom, like how manipulating technology efficiently and effectively can enrich and deepen their learning with a growth mindset, as much as it can improve their learning experience.  Also, there are those that think we should ban cellphones completely, saying cell phones are nothing but a constant distraction from the lesson at hand and make it near impossible for the teacher to maintain control of the classroom and ensure students are paying attention.

It is not surprising to hear that many schools who have implemented ways of limiting use in the classroom without an outright ban are seeing increases in grade point averages. At the beginning of the academic year, France implemented a complete ban on mobile phones on school property in an attempt to maximize learning time. To me, this seems extreme, however I can see how it could benefit the school, the students, and the community culture as well. Many schools are allowing teachers to create their own regulations based on their teaching philosophy, putting in place rules that align well with their classroom and the environment they have created. I feel as though this approach affords educators that flexibility and students some variability from year to year or classroom to classroom.

A common issue I have seen when students late in elementary school years (grades 7 & 8) have unlimited access, is the ability for students to bully other students and go undetected by teachers or other adults. This can go on for a long time, while students can harass and bully other students without any means of discipline. I had a grade 8 student who came to me after a few weeks of being quiet and reserved. I asked him if anything was going on or if he wanted to talk about anything at all. As it turns out, this student was being bullied on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and snapchat for the last few weeks after a picture was posted from another student in the class, where this male student looked like they had their hand near another male student’s genitals. Of course, after analyzing the picture it was clear the student was not making contact but was caught in an unfortunate pose. After bringing this up to my Associate Teacher and the Administration, an investigation into the bullying of the student took place. Those responsible received in-school suspensions. After this, the school continued to operate under their ‘bring-your-own-device’ policy that had in place prior to the incident. Students always had access to their devices; in classrooms, halls and the yard. I found instructing to be extremely difficult. In this eighth grade class, I had to continually ask students to put their phones away, most of the time texting or sharing inappropriate content with other students.

Prior to looking at the article, I felt very strongly that students should not have their cellphones in the classroom at all. Upon hearing the alternative approaches to limiting use, I feel as though there should be no out right ban, but the decision on restricting use remains with the teacher. This is partially due to my own experience in my teaching placements and past supply teaching, as well as the data that clearly shows an increase in student performance and grade point average as soon as devices like the Yondr or The Resistor Case (are implemented in the classroom.  I am a particular fan of the Resistor Case as their site offers a step-by-step guide on how to build your own simple version of the case as well as the option to buy one of their completed units. Reflecting on my own views, this article has helped fortify my beliefs about restricting cellphone use in the classroom. Even though cellphones can be great learning manipulatives for various applications and functions, the reality is that many students (especially in the elementary system) lack the maturity and discipline to stay focused in the classroom with their device at their fingertips. Albeit, I haven’t had any experience at the high school level. At this point, I feel like we need to embrace digital devices, as the students need to develop the right self-regulation habits that will prepare them to enter the workforce and understand when and when not to be using your device.

Look at the adults around you… we have all become completely absorbed by our devices. I know I was appalled when the Screen time application was installed on my IPhone. If we don’t restrict children’s use of cellphones at the elementary level for at least some duration of the day, while many of them have no time limits at home, how dependent will this generation be on their devices when entering the work force? Looking back, this is part of the reason I felt like a ban was necessary to begin with; we are becoming too reliant on our devices, however, by implementing self-regulation methods and giving the students a chance to be instrumental in their own learning, we can assure the next generation of youth are prepared and cognizant of their use of devices.

– Matt

Link to my Twitter Essay

#UWinDig

How do we limit cellphone use in the classroom?

http://https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-tackling-tech-how-some-ontario-teachers-are-attempting-to-limit/

“Tackling tech” was a very intriguing article to read. I found myself divulged into the reading because of the magnitude of the current issue. Living in the twenty first century, technology plays a significant role in the lives of most people. The users of technology are only becoming younger and younger and more students are coming to school with their own cellular devices. We are living in a society where our students are constantly surrounded by technology in one form or another.

When choosing what platform, I wanted to use to make my video, I wanted to use another platform that I was unfamiliar with. I wanted to give myself a challenge instead of using something that I know how to use. I decided to create a stop motion animation video with my own writing and drawings. After watching a couple sample videos online, I thought to myself, how difficult could it be? This is a unique way to represent my thoughts. I soon realized after I began writing out each word and taking a picture after every single word for every single sentence that this idea was going to be very time consuming. I ended up taking 390 photos to make my stop motion video. I am glad that I learned how to complete a stop motion video because in the future, I will be able to show my students how to do this for a project or task in class. It was not that writing out each word individually and taking the pictures was difficult, it was time consuming and very tedious.

The article “Tackling tech: How some Ontario teachers are attempting to limit students’ cellphone use” by Nadine Yousif, focuses mainly on the use of cellphones in the classroom. Throughout the article there are a couple of different methods that some teachers have tried to use to gain control over the use of cellular devices in their classrooms. One teacher decided that the students could take their phones to their desks, but only once they put their cellular device into a specialized pouch. This pouch was designed to block any access to Wifi and social media apps while enclosed in the pouch. Also, the design of this case could only be opened at an unlocking device that was controlled by their teacher. A teacher from Kitchener believes the only method that will work in reducing the usage of cellular devices in the classroom is to separate teens from their smartphones. Another teacher implemented the “Yondr” case style in their classroom which is a lockable pouch. Mr. Acheson claims that his class average raised 8% after utilizing this style of case in his classroom for the student’s cellular devices. He believes students get more done.

Many teachers believe that these tools of technology are a problem and cause only a distraction for the students. I asked myself while reading the article, why are we trying to separate teens from their smartphones? Are they not a tool many students have access to at their fingertips that can be beneficial in certain circumstances in the classroom? I believe that many schools are trying to promote the use of technology in the classroom after seeing many examples in my placement, from supply teaching and from discussions with other teachers. How can we promote technology in the classroom but not let students utilize the technology they have and are familiar with? The answer is not only black and white. There are many pros and cons to having technology and cell phone use in the classroom, but in the grand scheme I believe students should be allowed to have their cell phones in class and be able to use them with permission from their teachers at appropriate times. I should not be giving up in trying to control the usage of cellphones in my future classroom by eliminating cell phone use in all. I believe this will make students want to be sneakier in class and find a way to use their device because today’s society, several teens cannot be separated from their devices. However, as stated in the article, Premier Doug Ford suggested the outright ban of cellphones in schools, in order to “maximize learning time”, or in France they recently banned cell phone use on all school property as well as classrooms.

There will always be people who have different opinions and views of this topic. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but I believe as a future teachers, it will be up to us to use our professional judgement and make the call for our own classroom. Of course, I will have to follow and respect the rules of the school and principal. Some believe that teens need a “detox” from their technology but why prohibit a tool that can be beneficial to their learning if used in a proper way? I do not believe that teens need a “detox” from their technology, rather instead they should be learning new ways how to use their devices for educational purposes. My beliefs on technology include to always be growing and trying new things and adapting to the ever changing world of technology. I aspire to be a teacher who is engaging and promotes the use of technology in the classroom. Another idea stated in the article that I thought was brilliant, involved a teacher from Waterloo who developed the Resistor Case. Marcel O’Gorman designed a case using vinyl, Velcro and duct tape. This case does not lock, rather it makes a very loud noise (from the Velcro) when a student opens the case. This technique makes students think not only once, but twice about opening the case and drawing negative attention to themselves very quickly. I do not believe most students want to be a disruption in a class and therefor would not open the case unless given permission from the teacher. Teachers have tried some traditional methods to control cell phone usage in classrooms and although I have not had that opportunity for myself yet, the Resistor Case appears to be a popular method of control. Allowing the students to be in charge of their own cellular device will allow my future students to develop self control and respect for everyone in the class.

There is an extent to the usage of cell phones in the classrooms. In older grades, students could be using Kahoot or Mentimeter, or another application where they need some type of technology to complete the activity. In my placement, I had problems with the classroom iPad’s and computers not working properly with the activities I wanted to do online together, but they worked completely fine with a cell phone. There are also times when a teacher needs the laptops or iPad’s for their class but cannot get access to them for the day they want. I also found it a useful tool for myself as a French immersion teacher. When students did not know a word in French, or they wanted to spell it correctly, they could quickly use their device or ask me to use mine and look up the word on word reference or a dictionary online. Allowing students to use their personal devices solves that problem instantly. I believe there should not be a ban completely on cellphones in the classrooms entirely. I also think students could earn time throughout the week, if they do not go on their cell phones and are attentive, they would be given some time on a Friday or project day to use their own cellular devices. Some teachers may also be nervous that their students are always using their devices for non-educational purposes. But using a teaching method that revolves around authentic education, a teacher should not always use a lecture style approach to teach. I will do my best to be roaming around the classroom as I teach, helping my students with their work while all at the same time overseeing what my students are doing on the phones. This will help the students to stay on task and get their work done.

Living in today’s society, we are all surrounded by technology and this does not make it easy for students to not become distracted and some students may become addicted to their devices and cannot control themselves. I believe having a restriction of when students can use their devices, could help to solve the jittery texting fingers whilst promoting technology usage in the classroom. Prior to reading this article, I had not heard of any of the methods that these teachers are implementing in their classrooms for cell phone control. Before engaging with this article, honestly, I had only heard of the traditional methods such as putting all the cell phones at the front of the classroom, or hanging the cellphones in a pocket chart at the front of the classroom. This article was enlightening, knowing now that there are several different methods for cell phone control in classrooms. I truly feel strongly after reading this article that as a future educator, I should not just give up and eliminate the use of personal devices in the classrooms entirely, but the usage should be moderated and controlled using professional judgement. The entire text gave me new ideas and information on ways that I will be able to control cell phone use in my classroom. I am eager to put these ideas into motion when I have my own classroom.

In the article Privacy Concerns for ClassDojo and Other Tracking Apps for Schoolchildrenby Natasha Singer, the controversial behaviour monitoring app ClassDojo is analyzed. This app allows teachers to add or subtract points from their students based on good or bad behaviours.  The article looks closely at a third-grade teacher Mr. Fletcher, who is a big supporter of the app. ClassDojo is being used by one teacher in every third school in the United States, however its many benefits are in opposition with some potential risk. The app makes recording behaviour simpler for teachers by automating the process and directly conveying it to parents. The teacher also chooses what behaviours are monitored, and the software will give student’s feedback with goals of developing skills like leadership and teamwork. However, some of the negatives are frightening to many parents. There is an issue of data security, whereas ClassDojo says they are committed to never selling data, many parents fear what could happen if sensitive data about their child is ever leaked. The software requires consent from the principal, but does not require direct consent from the parent, which has many parents upset.  Perhaps the biggest issue with the app is the potential social implications. Many feel this type of “carrot and stick method,” is outdated and treats the students like animals. Teachers also decide whether points are displayed for the entire class to see, something the Mr. Fletcher does.  This could potentially lead to bullying or confidence issues in some students. Lastly, some parents fear this type of software will place labels on their children, such as a “problem child,” that would have an effect on them in future years.

This issue is one that I find very tough to form an opinion on either side of the argument.  My first time hearing about behaviour monitoring software as a teacher, I was skeptical.  I wondered how well a computer can we really help you manage students behaviours.  I see the benefits of ClassDojo for teachers, and in a busy day this software could really assist with behaviour management. However, I believe that displaying points for the entire class to see is an absolute no. Students don’t need to be centred out for bad behaviour, because as teachers we can’t be sure what the underlying issues causing behaviour issues is. I have a sister who teachers at the JK/SK level, and has worked with teachers that have used ClassDojo. She’s seen teachers both display the points and keep them private, and was a huge fan of the app. Much like Mr. Fletcher, she said when displaying the points the app is used almost entirely a reward system opposed to subtracting points. The biggest benefit she saw was communication with parents, as it can be extremely difficult at times to get in contact with a parent via phone or in person. I think these types of apps have a ton of potential benefits, but I believe more research needs to be done. ClassDojo only researches via surveying current users. I feel a lot more comprehensive studies need to be done that analyze the benefits as well as social implications of such softwares. Personally, I can’t see myself using these types of apps. Classroom management can be difficult, but there is many strategies and resources that can be used. I feel that having a mutual respect between teacher and student can be a lot more effective than grading behaviour via a software. However, I do think there Is potential if further developed, for software’s like ClassDojo to be more widely used in schools, specifically at the PJ levels.

For my artifict I made a mind map on Canva, outlining the pros and cons of this issue, feel free to have a look!

-Joseph Power

#UWinDig

Classroom Behaviour Tracking Apps

I chose to analyze the podcast featuring Bruce Schneier, and the interview he gave about his new book titled, Click Here to Kill Everybody. I have to say that this podcast was rather intriguing and terrifying at the same time. Within minutes of listening to the podcast I found myself cringing at the fact that there are real risks in the new technological, networked and computer-based world. Schneier calls this new world “internet plus” and I truly believe we are now living in this almost unfortunate society. He explains throughout the podcast that it is nearly impossible to buy a product that is not connected to the internet in some way. Cars, appliances, televisions, medical supplies, etc. are all connected to the internet in some way or form and we are putting ourselves at a real risk for hacking. It is no longer about worrying that someone will steal private information from the hospital and use it against you, now it’s about hacking the database and changing the blood type to kill you. He simply states the internet is coming, and it isn’t all it’s hyped up to be. A casino in vegas was hacked through an internet connected fish tank (and to me that sounds unheard of). Schneier explains that we can longer afford to make products in which systems and the government can spy on us, because the “bad guys” are using the same route to take things over. One day we will wake up with a hacked thermostat and be forced to pay in order to reclaim our houses. Schneier ends with the point that the government needs to put defense before offence. Companies need to ensure that systems are secure, rather than keep systems vulnerable for threats in order to attack against said threat. It’s out of our hands… companies need to change, and the government needs to change in order to secure safety.

While I was listening to this podcast, the thought came to me that this directly relates to the twitter hashtag #unboundeq that we’ve recently had in this class. All of thetopics that Bruce Schneier was talking about was basically the class discussion we had on twitter. The internet is all around us and it’s scary how often someone is listening to us, especially when it comes to our personalized ads on Facebook.

This might be naive or ignorant of me, but I don’t necessarily think about these bad things happening in my life, including breaches of privacy. I think that is why I find it so scary that these people have the knowledge and resources to hack into what I used to think were secure networks. Then there is my ideas about these actual products that hackers are taking control of… I never thought I would need a toaster or refrigerator that connected to the internet, but then once you have it you become lazy and rely on it, so every product after that needs to be connected. That is why when Schneier explained that authorities should be offering jail time for companies who do not take the time to secure these products made me stop and think about it for a minute. Do these companies want us to potentially get hacked? Or are they just more concerned with the look and consumerism to care about the vulnerability of the product? Either way, after listening to this podcast, it has definitely made me think about future purchases and getting the best secured network I can get.

Additionally, because I had so many thoughts that were running through my mind, I figured a mind map would be the best way to lay them out. What I took from the podcast was almost like “4 steps on how to reduce hacking”. I laid out my mind map in a way that audiences can see the connections between the topics, but ultimately end on the note that things need to change. After listening to this podcast, it is clear to me as a future educator that this topic cannot be taken lightly. We cannot risk the safety of ourselves, or our future students, so learning how to properly protect ourselves online is a step in the right direction.

I have also attached a PDF copy of my artifact in case you need to zoom in on the words!

Leslie

In the short CBC podcast Bruce Schneier explains the risks we face in our hyper-connected world. Everything we own and everything in our society is now a computer with internet access including phones, cars, medical devices, power plants and thermostats. All of these connections make us vulnerable to harmful physical attacks. The internet used to just be about data, when our data was stolen and abused it was more of an unfortunate inconvenience but now the internet has access to things that can actually harm us and this presents a real risk to our well-being. Schneier explains the only way for companies to improve the security on their products is for the government to step in and force them to. Without an order from the government the only thing these companies are concerned with is making a profit off ill-informed consumers who are not even thinking about the security risks of purchasing a new refrigerator.

I chose to use an infographic to summarize my thoughts on Bruce Schneier’s podcast and used Canva to create it. An infographic is exactly what it sounds like, an image such as a chart or diagram used to represent information in a fun and creative way. Canva is a graphic design website that uses a drag and drop format to create media design projects or graphics and offers users access to thousands of templates, fonts, graphics and pictures. I chose this method of reflection because the idea of graphically representing my ideas appealed to me. Sometimes pictures can say more than words which I believe was the case for me when creating this infographic. I liked using the Canva website because although it allowed me to be creative it also gave me suggestions so that the process of creating something from nothing wasn’t so intimidating.

While listening to this podcast I was immediately reminded of the time when my credit card numbers were stolen and used by someone to purchase gas along the California coast. I have never visited California so this could not possibly have been me, and that’s all I had to tell the bank to get them to reimburse me and cancel my credit card. It was shocking at first and I felt a little vulnerable but it turned out to be just a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have someone hack into my car’s computer and demand bitcoin or be faced with the challenge of driving a car no longer controlled by me. That would be absolutely terrifying and potentially life threatening. Unfortunately, because we have created this hyper-connected world we are all vulnerable to these types of risks on a daily basis.

I’ve always held the belief that companies selling me products are not just concerned about how much money they are making off of me but also that they have made sure that my personal information will remain safe and that I would be able to confidently use their product without worrying of potential security threats. I assumed that when buying a car in the future I would not need to worry about how easily it can be hacked and potentially used as a weapon with me still in the driver’s seat or used as a place to hold me hostage while demanding bitcoin. That is why the points brought up by Bruce Schneier in this podcast were so shocking to me. After listening to the podcast and doing some more reading on the subject I know that the way I go about buying any sort of technology in the future will be forever changed. When Schneier was speaking about the dangers of our hyper-connected world it got me thinking about all the connections I have in my life between all of the technology I use on a daily basis. I think the biggest take away I got was to be my own advocate when it comes to the safety and security of my personal information because no one else is going to do it for me and if they do it will be much too late.

In the podcast Schneier pointed out that companies are most likely not going to start making their products secure out of the kindness of their hearts because that would cut into their profits and the government has been slow to step in and take a more defensive approach to protect us from these threats, therefore our safety and security is up to us. In this increasingly technical and connected world it’s important that we educate students about the risks that come along with all the technology they are being exposed to. Does their home really need to be connected to their phones? With the thermostat, lights, TV and security system accessed through an app we are essentially inviting strangers into our homes because of convenience. Instead of remembering to turn off the lights we can just do it from the car on our morning commute. Educating students about what is available to them in terms of technology as well as the risks that go along with it will allow them to think critically about the risks they are opening themselves up to. Hopefully safety and security of citizens in the technical world will soon become the government’s first priority but until it is, as a future educator I will make sure to give my students the tools they need to protect themselves.

Please take a look at my infographic that summarizes my thoughts on Bruce Schneier’s podcast. Thanks for reading!

Christine

I chose to read “Privacy Concerns for ClassDojo and Other Tracking Apps for Schoolchildren” by Natasha Singer and was very excited to share my reflection via Twitter. I thought Twitter would be the best way to not only engage my classmates in an engaging conversation, but I also hope to grab the attention of others around the world. Twitter offers a nice template while also allowing me to express my creativity with GIFs and images.

While going through the article it allowed me to reflect on different behavioral systems that I was exposed to as a student at the elementary and high school levels. I was exposed to the same systems that I am experiencing now as a student teacher where technology isn’t being used to record this information. My past teachers and current teacher associate uses a tally system in the a notebook where a student receives a tally for a negative behavior. If you get three in a week, you receive a detention. The tally’s reset at the end of the week. This system differs from Classdojo because usually students don’t get a point taken off for positive behavior. It also allowed me to think about the behavioral systems that I may use in my classroom in the future as an Educator and the privacy concerns that may come up as technology keeps advancing.

ClassDojo is a behavior-tracking app that awards students points or subtract them based on their conduct. Many teachers say the app helps them automate the task of recording classroom conduct, as well as allowing them to communicate directly with parents. There’s a big divide when it comes to this app. Some like being able to use the app to follow their child’s progress and receive reports from teachers. Others are asking the teacher to remove his/her child from ClassDojo because they are unsure how the information is being stored/used and feel that it can create labels that are unwanted. Co-founder Mr. Chaudhary says he and his team have studied ClassDojo’s effectiveness by visiting classrooms and conversing with many teachers that have used it.

The idea that makes me react to this issue the way I do is because some people think that just because we are incorporating technology into our class, that we are doing our students a great service. That isn’t always the case though. If technology isn’t used properly and well thought out, it shouldn’t be used. Before I engaged with the text, I thought it was a great idea that technology was being used in order to communicate with parents on their child”s behavior. Parents always want to be involved in their child’s life, even at school and it is important as teachers to make sure they are aware! In some cases we may actually be with their child more than they are so it is important to work together for the better of the student. The part of the text that gave me new ideas is the privacy aspect and how Classdojo is storing it and using it. I never even thought of that part before I begun reading and it is so important. When I am a parent, I want to know that my child’s information is safe and not out there for anyone to be able to see. I also don’t want him/her open to any bullying that could come from the whole class seeing. The classroom should be a safe environment for everyone and that is so so important. As an educator I am going to focus on creating a safe environment for MY students, in the classroom and online.

Below are just a few screenshots from my Twitter thread. Please click the link below to read the rest of my thread:

https://twitter.com/mrpopel/status/1055884445406896130

I chose to analyze the Leave No Dark Corner article by ABC News. To do so I created a Twitter Rant which worked out to 11 tweets that both summarized and reflected on the article and related the concepts discussed back to a classroom setting.

Prior to reading this article I had no idea that there were projects of the like taking place around the world. I have seen this concept in different movies and video games, but I always perceived it to be invasive and unrealistic. Throughout the text I learned most about how the project would impact the lives of the public by engaging in the testimonial stories from two Chinese citizens who are at different levels on the Social Credit scale.

First and foremost, the article presented Social Credits, a new type of social engineering underway in China, which ultimately creates a Digital Totalitarian State. Social credits are essentially a score out of eight or nine hundred that each citizen has that influences their day-to-day activities. Those with higher scores will receive more education and job opportunities as well as VIP treatment in establishments including airports, restaurants, and financial institutions. The score is calculated through an array of 200 million CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition and geo-thermal technology that cover every corner of the city. The score is influenced by every action made, item purchased, social interaction, and dollar held. All of these will determine whether one is given ample opportunities or shutout from society as a whole.

In relating this article back to a classroom I found there to be many similarities. There is a current push in education to incorporate technology in the classroom. More specifically, institutions have started using software that tracks student behaviour, engagement, and performance. Through tracking, the students are then rewarded in some way for high scores. In a strange way, it seems very similar, yet to a lesser extent, than the Digital Totalitarian State presented by the Chinese government. Given that similarity, where should the line be drawn?

I then explored a few pros and cons to this concept. First is that some students will embrace the abundance of opportunities and responsibilities they might earn that they would not have received otherwise. Second is that this technology could be another means to marginalize students that do not perform at grade level. Instead of receiving more assistance, they may be pushed to the side for the other high achieving students. A clear “rich get richer” type of mentality where the students working at or above grade level receive all of the praise and opportunity where as those below grade level sink that much further.

There are clearly benefits to technology in the classroom, I believe that there are still quite a few significant limitations to its implementation on a full scale perspective in schools. For now new technologies should continue to be explored by school boards and prospective teachers.