I read the article, “Digital Ghosts in the Modern Classroom”, written by Ashley Hinck. The article delves into how, in today’s classroom, with modern digital technology the different programs, applications, and software we have available to our students have the potential to actually limit student creativity. The article really changed my perspective on how technology shapes the minds of our students. It is pretty clear that our modern technology has opened numerous doors to prosper the learning of students. However, Hinck makes an interesting argument that the structure of simplicity that comes with using much of these digital technologies creates a certain mindset in students, that there is either a correct or incorrect method of approaching a task. The technologies are great, the implications on the mindset of students, not so great. This article has really opened my eyes as an educator to shy away from using step-by-step approaches in both my own teaching, as well as in student evaluations. Students should be encouraged to ride their own wave and think outside of the box when completing school-related tasks. Hopefully, this mindset will translate into their everyday lives as they grow into life-long learners!
Personally, my experience with using digital technology in the classroom has definitely been haunted by the “ghosts” which Hinck discusses. I can recall working through various assignments throughout both high school and university where I felt that there was only one correct way to complete a task. At times I struggled to figure out what was supposed to be done. In retrospect, some of these assignments were more about completing the task in a unique, creative fashion than completing it correctly. As a future educator, I think it is important to understand and implement ways to abolish these digital ghosts. As future educators, we are digital ghostbusters. Working with modern technology is not about discovering new means of allowing creativity to flow, instead, it is about using the technologies we do have to their fullest potential and flourishing creativity in that sense. In closing, while completing the current assignment I definitely felt some of the pressure of trying to do things “the right way”. I felt there was a strict process I should be following in order to complete the assignment. However, after contemplating the contents of the article, I realized that I was facing the exact digital ghosts that Hinck discussed. The assignment was designed for us to discover a new technology, tinker around with using it, and then find a creative way to portray our ideas about the article. With that said, here’s my twitter essay about the digital ghosts we face in the modern classroom. https://twitter.com/MrDiCarloTeach/status/1178853959831830528?s=20
