I read Ashley Hinck’s Digital Ghosts in the Modern Classroom. http://hybridpedagogy.org/digital-ghosts-modern-classroom/
My opinion of the author’s main message is that the classroom is modern and we, as educators, need to take responsibility for creating a modern digital classroom. I interpreted that embracing and using digital technologies in the classroom is not as hard as possibly assumed, and it is a great option for learning. Educators need to debunk the assumptions and expectations of digital technologies. Digital technologies should be used to enhance the classroom to create a modern classroom. Educators need to lead by example and show their students how to use these technologies in ways that are best for them. Not every digital technology is going to suit each student and if students have the technical knowledge and understanding, they can use technologies that enhance their learning. These technologies should simply be another learning tool.
The text opened my eyes about how “old” technologies limit student’s creativity. Before reading this article, I did not see PowerPoints, for example, as limiting and controlling (of a student’s creative choices). I use PowerPoint often and I choose from the variety of themes they offer. This article made me ask myself, what would happen to my PowerPoint presentation if I was able to make all creative decisions, if I could make my own theme.
I am a classic example of a student who “all they know of digital making are the template/shortcut platforms that have enabled them to participate in digital culture up until this point” as described in the article. I enjoy assignments that provide a lot of structure and that translated into my digital technology use. I did not often explore digital technologies that put me in the role of the “creator”. As a musician, I am constantly expressing myself through my music. Why not apply that same creative freedom to other areas and embrace these digital technologies that give me that opportunity?
As I created my artifact, I connected with the recurring theme in the article that modern digital technologies make students great makers, creators, and speakers. I realized that as I was creating my sketchnote, I was in complete control; I was the creator. I was creating a product exactly the way I wanted to. I was not following a script of steps. I used the shapes, colours, fonts, etc. that made sense for my learning. I think a sketchnote was a great artifact for me to help me get my feet wet in digital technologies for a modern classroom. Students should be encouraged to learn through methods that work for them! As an educator, I will create a learning space where my students can take control and be creative in their learning.
