1) As an educator, the effects of our teaching on others is limitless. We possess the power to mold and shape society through our students. Which is why we owe it to them to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be successful. #uwindig #ontarioextend
2) We as teachers are responsible for unlocking the potential of our students. Except, when the world around us is constantly evolving (especially in technology), it can become rather difficult. As we must also evolve in order to stay effective in our teachings. #uwindig #ontarioextend
3) Now let me ask you, have you ever heard of digital literacy? If not, let me inform you! It is ultimately the ability to effectively use technology to communicate with the world around you. #uwindig #ontarioextend
4) Get excited because it’s time to learn the importance of incorporating digital literacy in our classrooms! There are so many benefits, including the capability to overcome various learning challenges that may arise. As well as allowing students to gain more independence through properly being able to locate and analyze information online by themselves. #uwindig #ontarioextend
5) Now I never said any of this would be easy, so i’m going to share a little secret with you. Only if you promise to do one thing that is, which is share the information I provide with all your fellow educators. Now that you’ve promised, let me introduce you to the Technologist Module! It is free to use and offered by E-campus Ontario for anyone to use! #uwindig #ontarioextend https://extend.ecampusontario.ca/technologist-scenario/
6) The module will teach you all about the use of technology and how to effectively implement it in your classroom. So get ready to enrich the learning experiences of your students as we start with the design thinking process! It is a 5 step approach to generating new ideas and goes in the order of:
Empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and connect. #uwindig #ontarioextend
7) We start off by empathizing with our learners. When you’re creating something for others, it has to be made with a focus on them (in this case their learning abilities). Which is why it is important for you to understand them, so you can cater to their needs. I would suggest designing a survey to better get to know them, or the empathy map! #uwindig #ontarioextend
8) Now we move onto defining our learner challenge, this step is probably the most important. Using the results of the prior step, you should now be locating and determining the core problem before attempting to solve anything. As I would imagine it to be very difficult to find a solution if you didn’t first know the problem. Additionally, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, you can do so by accessing the padlet on the website! #uwindig #ontarioextend
9) Onto the third step, we have Ideate! This is one of my favourite parts, as this is where you get out all your best approaches towards a possible solution. Here, mind mapping is your best friend. You can use this tool to plot all the characteristics available and select the most appropriate one. #uwindig #ontarioextend
10) Nearing to the end, we now have to prototype. Using the selected technology, we will experiment with a rough model of what we hope to create. From that, we will then use the results to adjust and improve, so that the final product is as effective as can be. #uwindig #ontarioextend
11) For those who may be a little uncertain in how to begin, I would suggest locating the section named “The How To’s” on the website. By choosing a technology that is found on the list, you will be provided with access to tutorials and activities that will aid you in the beginning process. #uwindig #ontarioextend
12) Last but not least, connect to your curriculum! We’ve talked a lot about implementing technology in our teachings, but how do you plan on doing just that? What’s your plan? This thread has given you the puzzle pieces, and now it’s time for you to put it all together! #uwindig #ontarioextend
13) I would like to briefly mention that there is also another learning module you may want to check out. It is called the collaborator module, you can find it on the same website and I guarantee it will be a similar learning experience. As well as improve your teaching approaches. #uwindig #ontarioextend
14) I know trying new things can be scary, especially being an educator, we are usually the ones doing the teaching. So when the roles are reversed, we might get a little nervous. Well here’s a reminder that you are more than capable, no one knows your students like you do, you are the best person for the job. #uwindig #ontarioextend
15) This is it guys, we have officially reached the end of thread. As sad as it is for me to say goodbye, I truly hope you’ve found the information I provided useful. As well, left with a greater understanding of digital literacy and its ability to assist you in the classroom. #uwindig #ontarioextend
