Final Reflection & My journey throughout EDCI 336
As we reach the end of our time in EDCI 336, this week was dedicated to a “sketchnote” synthesis, where we created a visual map of our learning process using our own pedagogical and teaching insights; digital tools/resources; and ethical and personal considerations we’ve explored and discussed throughout class over the last three months. Looking back on my past previous reflections, I can see how much my perspective on “educational technology” has evolved from a focus on “how-to” tutorials to a more critical, intentional framework and overall understanding.
Sketchnote Exercise
For this final reflection, I used a sketchnoting strategy as asked to organise my key takeaways from the class each week.
Teaching Pedagogy Over Technology
A recurring theme throughout our course, starting with our look at the documentary Most Likely to Succeed in Week 1, was the conflict and tension between the “factory model” of education and the “studio model”. This was reinforced during our visit to the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry (PSII) and through our experiences with the EdCamp model. These weeks showed me that technology should not be used as an “add-on” to traditional lectures but rather to facilitate learner-led inquiry. Whether it is through the agency provided by an EdCamp or the problem-solving nature of computational thinking and gaming (Week 7), technology should work to support and enhance teaching pedagogy rather than the other way around.
Ethics, Equity, and Intentionality
I would say that the most impactful learning for me happened in our discussions regarding inclusion and assistive technology (AT). As I noted in my sketchnote, if a resource isn’t accessible, it simply isn’t inclusive. This realisation shifted my view of AT from “specialised equipment” to a core requirement of intentional design. This ethical perspective also extended into our exploration of generative AI (Week 3) and digital citizenship (Week 9). AI truly is a “double-edged sword”; while it offers incredible potential for personalised learning, we always have to remain critical of the uncertainty and anxiety it brings to the profession. As I prepare for my upcoming practicum at Lansdowne Middle School, I aim to keep the ethics of privacy and digital footprints at the forefront of my teaching practice.
Video Credit: TEDXTalks via YouTube
Collaborative Learning & Peer Insights
This week also included watching several presentations from our peers, which gave us all diverse learning inspiration on various perspectives in classroom technology and suggested resources. I thought the discussion on the role of cell phones in the classroom, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of technology in PHE, was particularly relevant. The debate surrounding cell phones in the classroom also highlights the ongoing struggle and continuous effort to balance “tech as a tool” and “tech as a distraction”, reminding me that there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer in a middle school environment.
Final Reflection
Overall, I would say that this course definitely equipped me with a “toolbox” of both digital resources and critical frameworks. I am moving forward with the understanding that being a modern educator isn’t about knowing every app but about finding the why behind the tools we choose to bring into our students’ lives.
Thank you for such a wonderful course experience! 🙂