My Educational Journey Through Technology

 

I attended elementary, middle, and high school during a time of rapid technological advancement.

My journey as a student provided me with a unique perspective on the integration of technology in the classroom. From Kindergarten to Grade 2, technology in the classroom was rare, but present. We were fortunate to have one of those televisions mounted on a rolling cart. The moment you heard it clunking down the hallway, you just knew it was going to be a great day. Additionally, we had a designated computer room where we learned the ins and outs of computers. Looking back, I realize how uncommon this experience was. My parents and grandparents never had the opportunity to learn computer skills during their school years because personal computers were not even invented yet. In contrast, children today are introduced to technology at a much earlier age, to the point where learning to use a computer is comparable to learning how to walk – it's a natural and inherent part of their childhood.

In grades 3 and 4, my elementary school introduced 'computer carts,' marking a significant shift in our educational experience. Teachers could now sign out these mobile computer carts, granting each student access to their own laptop for an hour each day. This period also witnessed a transition in teaching methods, with some educators adopting smart boards while others continued to use traditional chalkboards.

Grade 5 stands out in my memory as the time when a significant shift occurred in our classroom experience. We were fortunate to have a young and innovative teacher who introduced various ways to integrate technology into our learning environment. With computers becoming more affordable and outside sponsors recognizing the educational benefits of technology, each class was equipped with their very own computer cart. This development made technology and internet access even more accessible to us. It was during this period that we started incorporating fun activities like Youtube Just Dance videos for brain breaks. While there was technology in the school that teachers could utilize before, it was in Grade 5 (2012-13) that technology in the classroom became more abundant and central to our education.

In middle school (Gr. 6-9) I transitioned to a newly built STEM school in my community. The technological innovations within this school for the time period were truly astonishing. We had access to an observatory complete with a powerful telescope, state-of-the-art 3D printers, engaging coding classes and many more technological amenities. It was within these walls that I was enlightened on the profound roles of technology in the world around us. Yes, we had experienced technology in earlier grades with our laptops, enabling us to watch captivating videos and explore the vastness of the internet for answers to our questions. However, this school took it to a whole new level, allowing me to grasp the true power of technology—the ways it shapes, expands, and propels the world forward. It fostered my appreciation for careers driven by technology and underscored its transformative potential for society.

Having attended a remarkably technologically advanced middle school, my transition to high school felt like a step back in terms of technological advancements, especially since it was the same highschool my grandparents and parents had attended. However, everything changed with the onset of the Covid pandemic. The pandemic prompted a wave of technological advancements and creative solutions. I found myself completing my high school education entirely online, completed with a disappointing virtual graduation ceremony. It's safe to say that technology's impact on my education has been nothing short of profound. Throughout my journey as a student, I've witnessed numerous technological advancements and their integration into the classroom. I've had the unique opportunity to experience firsthand both the advantages and disadvantages of technology in education. 

My journey has taken me from the days of maneuvering rolling television carts to using personal laptops and learning advanced technology skills. Now, as an educator, I've come to appreciate the transformative potential of technology in the classroom. I've witnessed how technology can shape not only the way we learn but also how it can redefine our understanding of the world. 

During my practicum placement at Calgary Academy, I was deeply impressed by their use of technology in the classroom. The School is committed to embracing the power of productive technology while minimizing distractions from unproductive sources. One policy in place is the restriction of student phones during class hours, which creates a focused and distraction-free learning environment. Instead of banning technology altogether, students are encouraged to bring their personal laptops and headphones, utilizing the benefits of digital tools in education while maintaining a controlled and purposeful use of technology. Additionally, each classroom is equipped with its own personal printer, ensuring easy access to printed resources for students. Calgary Academy also leverages Microsoft 365 and Teams for communication between students, teachers and parents, as well as between educators themselves. Calgary Academy also utilizes moveable smartboards in each classroom to maximize available space and make the learning environment highly adaptable and flexible to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. This thoughtful integration of technology enhances the learning experience and helps students thrive in today's dynamic educational landscape.

As I continue to explore technology's presence in the classroom, I can't help but wonder: How can we tell when it's a helpful tool or a hindrance to student learning? Do certain students thrive with technology, while others do better with traditional textbooks and assignments? As educators, how can we decipher when technology is actually enhancing our students' educational experience? This question is important to me because I would never want to cause harm to a student's learning, because of my personal journey in implementing technology in the classroom.