Giulia Marazita - Reflection as a Way of Life

- Use of Technology in Education Dr. Shirin Shafiei Ebrahimi begins by showing a video of what education could look like in the future. Although this would most likely be a reality decades away, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Whoa! That's so cool."  There are many ideas thrown out in this video without much explanation. However, I felt like it would be best to use this video for my blog because there's plenty to deconstruct!  The presenter talks about the benefits of technology, how cost factors in, and blended learning. She discusses that the aim of recent technology based education is personalized learning, the ability for all students to learn at their own pace. They could use the internet to learn about whatever they want, whenever they want. She talks about the benefits being:  Unlimited ways to use apps provided through technology Easily accessible Facilitates education Improve teaching and learning  Improves the sense of creativity  Makes you ...

  - Negative Effects of Technology:  Written by: Amanda Strom This study was written to analyze whether or not overuse of technology can lead to negative health effects and impair student learning (Strom, 2021). As mentioned in my previous post, my colleagues both immediately responded with the fact that technology in the classroom helps students. I thought I would look into why it hurts them to see if there's anything that contradicts their thoughts. It was interesting to see that the author discusses the fact that the review is concluded with the fact that students who are exposed to a high amount of screen time are more susceptible to experiencing health effects and learning deficits. The author also discusses downfalls of using technology in the class and suggests ways to better include technology in lessons and personal life. Throughout reading the study, I quickly realized that it was more-so about the overall health of the students. The studies made it clear that i...

- Colleagues Perspectives    I started to think to myself, I wonder what my colleagues think of this topic.  They had just as much exposure as me to students learning through technology. I figured, what better time to, for lack of a better term, interview them on their thoughts.  I will be asking all three of them the same question, "Do you think that technology in the classroom helps or hurts students?"  Nikki's Perspective When I asked Nikki the question, she didn't even think twice. She immediately responded with, "helps." I was taken back by the quick response. Naturally, I asked her why she thinks that technology helps students in the classroom. Nikki is currently taking courses to enhance her knowledge on special education. She taught grade 5/6 at the school I was at during my first placement. This school did not have a 1:1 Chromebook ratio, rather, there was a Chromebook cart that was shared. Here are her reasons for technology helping in the classro...

  - The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom  As technology is becoming more of a discussed topic, it is clear to me that I am not the only one questions whether or not technology is helpful or hurtful in the classroom. According to Brown (2019), there are 7 pros and 5 cons to have technology in the classroom. Throughout her article, she discusses each of these pros and cons. In this blog, I am going to summarize the pros and cons in a list, and then discuss my own take on them.  Pros:  Technology provides a variety of useful resources for teachers, students, and parents. E.g., Youtube and Quizlet.  Technology makes learning much more efficient. This includes parent-teacher communication.  The world has become increasingly technology driven, by incorporating technology in the classroom, we are preparing students for life in the 'real world.'  Technology allows for teachers and students to have immediate access to the most up-to-date information...

- Scott Widman: Technology, the best or worst thing for education.             TedTalk Link   In the short video above, Scott Widman discusses how Googling whether or not technology helps or hurts students in the class did not help. He talks about how you will always find an argument for either side. He outlines why it helps, and how it hurts students. This is why I decided to name my Blog question as the "Unanswered Question." I have found the same results, convincing arguments for either side of the debate, as this is a topic that is relevant today.  Next week, I will be discussing what I have personally witnessed in my classroom for how technology helps students. The goal is to do my own research on both sides of the debate and by the end of the course have a clearer perspective on the topic.  After watching this video, what are your thoughts on the topic?

  - The Unanswered Question      This year teaching has shown me a lot about how education at an elementary level has changed significantly. At times, I find that this is for the better. However, sometimes I wonder if we are benefiting or hurting the upcoming generations. As you have probably seen a couple times if you read through my History of Life as well as my All About Me Blog, I recently taught STEM and grade 7/8 soccer academy within my local catholic school board.       STEM was not a program that was taught when I was in elementary school. The program focused on developing research skills, creating innovative thinkers, and progressively teaching students how to code. Students were quickly learning how to code a robot to move where they wanted it to go, say what they wanted it to say, and so on.       In my most recent teaching position, each of the grade 7 and 8 students were given a Chromebook in September. Most, if n...

   - Introducing Me  This is me.     Hello! My name is Giulia Marazita. I am from Windsor, Ontario. I am 25 years old and ready to take on life! A few of my favourite things to do are play volleyball, watch Netflix series, and spend time with my family. I was recently hired with a local school board and have currently been blessed to teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and PALS (Phonics) to an incredible group of elementary students and the grade 7/8 soccer academy. I also currently work at a local, family owned jewellery store as well as a receptionist at a family practitioner’s office. I occasionally work at my cousin’s gelato, espresso, and Nutella bar that caters to weddings and events! My family means absolutely everything to me and there’s nothing I’d rather do than spend time with my cousins. My fiancé and I have been together for 8 years. He is the person who helps me tackle all the obstacles that life has to throw at me! In ...