Blog Post #4

 Last week, I explored the Tech Sandbox website to see the range of tools available for classroom innovation. I was particularly drawn to the video production equipment and podcasting tools, as I could envision incorporating them into an undergraduate creative writing course. For example, students could create podcasts or short videos to adapt their stories or analyze literature, which would allow them to develop multimedia storytelling skills alongside traditional writing. I think using these tools would not only make the classroom more interactive but also help students prepare for modern creative careers that blend writing with digital media. 

I have been using both Pinterest and Instagram to build my PNL (Personal Learning Network), primarily by following college professors and teaching influencers in English and creative writing. Interacting with their content has been incredibly beneficial, offering teaching strategies, writing prompts, and professional advice for aspiring educators and writers. I’ve also found inspiration for my own classroom ideas and creative projects. These platforms could be valuable in my future career as they provide ongoing network opportunities and a way to stay updated on trends in both writing and pedagogy. 

Growing up, my schools were somewhat mixed in terms of technology. We had access to devices and used technology a lot, especially since the shift to online learning during COVID, but some older teachers of mine preferred handwritten work to discourage over-reliance on AI and strengthen memory retention. This balance helped me develop both strong digital skills and traditional learning habits, which have supported my college preparation. However, I think earlier exposure to collaborative tech tools and more consistent use of online writing platforms could have better prepared me for navigating higher-level digital projects in college.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog Post #1

Image
 In this class, I’m hoping to learn how educational technology can actually work for students rather than just existing as another thing to click through. As a creative writing and interdisciplinary humanities major, I’m curious about how digital tools can support creativity without killing the soul of the work. I want to understand how technology can be used intentionally, especially in writing and discussion based classes, rather than just as busy work. Since my long-term goal is to earn an MFA and eventually become a professor of creative writing, I’m interested in how I might use what I learn here to design engaging courses in the future, especially as classrooms become more hybrid and tech-reliant.  I’ve used technology in school pretty consistently, from learning management systems like Canvas to shared documents and online discussion boards. Most of my writing process already happens digitally (mainly google docs), whether that’s drafting essays or workshopping literary...
Read more

Blog Post #8

Image
Working on the Web Design assignment helped me learn several new skills related to building and designing a website. I practiced organizing content and creating working links between different pages. One design principle I focused on was visual consistency, because I wanted the entire site to feel cohesive and aesthetic. My website had a fig theme inspired by Sylvia Plath’s prose, so I used similar fig-colored tones, imagery, and fonts across the pages to create a unified look. I also used the design principle of contrast so the text would stand out clearly against the background and be easy to read. One thing I didn’t love about the assignment was getting all of the links to work correctly between the pages, because that part was a little frustrating and took some trial and error. However, I really enjoyed the creative side of the project and making something that looks beautiful and meaningful. Website design skills could be useful in my future career as a professor because educators...
Read more

Blog #3

Image
 Working with copyright and fair use has made me much more aware of the responsibility teachers and students have when creating or sharing work. As an educator, I would ensure that all instructional materials I develop follow copyright laws, either by using my own original content, obtaining permission, or relying on materials that are clearly under fair use or public domain. When having students create their own works, I would emphasize the importance of citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and respecting others' intellectual property. I learned that even small images or text excerpts can be protected, so careful consideration is necessary, and this makes me think critically about how to integrate media responsibly. I still wonder about the fine line between fair use for teaching versus commercial or online sharing, and I plan to continue researching best practices to make informed decisions.  One technology implementation issue that concerns me is academic dishonesty, especi...
Read more