Category: Weekly Reflections (Page 2 of 2)

Our discussion on January 19th revolved around privacy issues in the classroom and looking at concepts from the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Privacy and technology has been a topic I have been interested in for awhile so I am glad we touched on it. Last semester, I did an inquiry project into how we can incorporate social media successfully and effectively into the classroom and one major concern that was brought up was issues of privacy and age-restrictions associated with social media. I don’t think I realized how important and complicated privacy issues were within the classroom. For example, I never really considered the fact that data needs to be stored within Canada, although it makes sense after hearing it.

I am a big believer in incorporating technology and social media into classrooms because it is so ubiquitous that I believe it is more dangerous to ignore it. However, I also understand more of the logistics now about how you can get different tech approved due to the lesson and Ken’s discussion. As someone who is involved in social media, content creation, and the digital sphere as a form of community and creativity, I was also interested in the topics of what is considered “in the custody of” the school and what isn’t as I have been concerned that my personal pictures and account would be under scrutiny (for example: in a swimsuit on vacation… is this appropriate for a teacher/ can a school use this against me or dictate what I can/cannot post). Although I am aware of my online footprint and image, I do think it is interesting that many teachers feel they need to limit their personal presence on social media. I think that as long as you are not posting overtly inappropriate things, and have a personal account that is not shared with students (obviously) that it should not have any impact on your role as teacher. More minutia comes in to play of course when you start considering the teacher “influencers” and potentially posting content with children in it. I would avoid posting anything with children (even with faces covered) onto social media to ensure safety and privacy of the students.

Photo by Emma Scholten

I found setting up this blog to have its challenges but ultimately went pretty smoothly, especially when I compare to my peers. I am quite excited to start a blog documenting weekly reflections because I have always wanted to start a blog and have always wanted to start a journal — so this accomplishes both! I am quite interested in EdTech but have a specific interest in social media. I have done quite a bit of research into the use of social media and did an inquiry last semester into the potential use of social media in classrooms so I am curious to see and reflect on this topic as well as all the others in EDCI 336.

I believe it is so important to have teachers that have a good sense of digital literacy and the knowledge of both the benefits and the dangers of using different technologies within classrooms. These technologies, and specifically social medias, are ubiquitous, so it is important that we do not try to ignore or avoid them, and instead use them efficiently to enhance learning.

Photo by Emma Scholten