Author Archives: thras112

Feb 25 2020
1 Comment
Uncategorized

Can This Strategy Actually Make You a Better Teacher?

I decided to read and explore the Collaborator Module from eCampus Ontario. This is a Twitter essay that I made that sums up the module in a visually and attention stimulating way. Essentially, this module aims to help you build a network of experts using some type of social media or tool– Twitter in particular is mentioned numerous times. I really enjoyed this module as it resonates with something that I practice currently, without ever having really given it much thought, or even a name at that. I generally use Youtube as a personal learning network to develop my knowledge on various topics that interest me. After having read this module, it has opened my eyes to even more ways that I could extend and connect through my learning network.

It is very important that people understand that just because there may not be many like minded people that surround them physically, there is a whole WORLD of people they can connect with online. These are people that think exactly like you or I do, #relatable. Personally, I have very deep philosophical thoughts that my brain STARVES to have or listen to conversations about, and unfortunately I haven’t met people that can hold those kind of conversations with me. Online communities, such as Youtube holds plenty of experts in this field. In addition to that, the comment section is filled with people that think the way I do, so it is great to see that. I’ve also noticed that not many people exercise the way I do, so a lot of my information comes from Youtube and Instagram. So the idea of a “virtual community” is very important when you are trying to build your knowledge about a topic.

This is one area I could improve in my collaboration strategy. I tend to watch and learn, rather than participate actively in the conversation. However, I tend to do that in real life as well. I would like to increase my knowledge and confidence before I go posting my own content and tough questions! This is something I can see myself pushing my limits in as I gain more experience in my fields of interest.

Overall, I thought the Collaborator Module was very insightful, especially in a time where social media and the internet allow us to access information so easily. This module is more than just how to collaborate well, but I think it teaches us how to use social media responsibly and professionally. Something as a teacher I could go on to teach my students about. Incidentally, I found the Twitter essay much harder than I thought it would be. With the word limit I had to plan out exactly what I wanted to say, what section I wanted to cover, and in how many tweets I could do it correctly. I enjoyed the world limit because it challenged me to get straight to the point on a lot of ideas. Furthermore, the gifs and images added the extra context and dry humour necessary to keep the reader’s attention. Overall, this was a valuable experience that is sure to make me a better teacher moving forward.

Oct 01 2019
2 Comments
Uncategorized

Are Cookie-Cutter Apps Holding Students Back?

Canva by Jordan Thrasher

I read Ashley Hinck’s Digital Ghosts in the Modern Classroom and created an infographic using Canva, to summarize her article. The main point she is trying to get across throughout the article, is the idea that using shortcut/template websites and platforms or “cookie-cutter” platforms as I described, is killing creativity in our students. A few examples of these programs include: Facebook, Snapchat, Canva, Google Slides, etc. She believes that by allowing students to “create” by using drag and drop platforms, we are limiting their technical potential. Moreover, students are not able to build resiliency in understanding that getting stuck or trial-and-error are all part of the process of success. Once they are able to build this skill through practice and learning, the sky’s the limit. 

While I agree with the ultimate goal of getting the best out of our students, I don’t necessarily think that teaching kids how to code will prepare them for what is expected from them in post-secondary or the job force. However, it is a different story if their career aspiration is in computer science or some kind of communications or marketing position. I still think the tools provided allow students to be creative because there are so many tools available to choose from. I believe if students are providing well-thought out projects, regardless of how they do it, then we are not only limiting stress, but rewarding success as well.

Incidentally, my stance on technology in the classroom is one I approach with caution, but with open arms. I appreciate a challenge and furthering my technical knowledge, but only if I can make it beneficial for my students. This assignment I found to be a challenge creating my first infographic and I can now use that experience moving forward if I make one again.