Posts

Social Media in Education

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Breaking Free: Rediscovering Life Beyond the Screen Image Source: Gear Patrol Hey there, everyone! It's great to be back on the blog, and this time, I want to share something that has profoundly impacted my perspective on technology in education. As a high school science teacher who's always been tech-savvy, I've seen firsthand how powerful and transformative technology can be in the classroom. However, after diving into two eye-opening articles, my views have evolved, and I've come to appreciate the importance of balance in our digital lives. Article #1: " Do Not Disturb: How I Ditched My Phone and Unbroke My Brai n" by Kevin Roose This article by Kevin Roose struck a chord with me. He described his journey of breaking free from the clutches of his smartphone addiction. I've always been aware of the impact of technology on our lives, but reading about Kevin's experience made me think in a new way. One quote from the article that resonated with me is, ...

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

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  Image Source: Appinventiv Hello, everyone! Wow, it's hard to believe we've reached the final week of EDU 776. What a journey it's been! As a high school science teacher who's always been tech-savvy, I entered this course with excitement and curiosity about how technology could further enhance my teaching practices. Looking back, I can confidently say that this course has broadened my perspective on technology in education. One of the key takeaways for me was the power of blogs for communication. Throughout this course, I've been using this blog as a platform to share my thoughts, experiences, and insights. It has been a fantastic tool not only for expressing my ideas but also for connecting with my fellow educators. The ability to curate and share content has been eye-opening, and I can see how it can greatly benefit both educators and students in the learning process. Professional web presence was another crucial topic. While I've always maintained an online ...

Data Mining

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  Source: Just Total Tech  **Hey there, Data Explorers! 🚀** Welcome back to the blog, and this week, we're taking a deep dive into the world of data mining, with a personal twist! Now, let's be real—how many of us, especially us millennials and elder Gen-Zs, have tried Googling ourselves at some point? 🤔 It's like our modern-day rite of passage!  **My Data Mine Expedition** So, I decided to embark on a little self-exploration in the digital realm. And let me tell you, the results were quite a rollercoaster! 😄 When I Googled my own name, "Harrison Fredrick," I didn't know what to expect. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? Image Source: Author Image Source: Author First off, I was relieved that my social media journey began when I was already in my later years of high school. I mean, who hasn't posted something a tad cringeworthy or embarrassing in their younger years, right? 🙈 Those early internet days came with valuable lessons about t...

Designing for Inclusivity: A Peek into My Journey with Accessibility

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  Designing for Inclusivity: A Peek into My Journey with Accessibility Hello, fellow high schoolers and educators! Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart - accessibility in education. As we navigate the world of learning, it's crucial to ensure that every student has a fair shot at success, no matter their abilities. Accessibility isn't just about compliance; it's about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. So, let's talk about it! Image Source: Google For Education The Importance of Accessibility Inclusivity in education is more than just a buzzword; it's a fundamental principle that shapes our classrooms. It's about recognizing that students come with a wide range of abilities, learning styles, and needs. As a high school student, I've seen the impact of accessibility firsthand. It's about giving every student a chance to participate, learn, and succeed. One of my strengths in this area has been awareness. I've...

Exploring Coding in the Classroom: A Science Teacher's Journey

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  As a high school science teacher, I recently had the opportunity to dive into the world of coding through a specialized course aimed at integrating this valuable skill into my teaching repertoire. In this blog post, I want to share the most significant takeaways from this course and how they will shape my future work in the classroom. 1. Coding Fosters Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: One of the most important lessons I learned was how coding can profoundly enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I always knew these skills were essential, but coding brings a new dimension to their development. Through coding exercises, students are challenged to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and logically build solutions. This mindset will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of my future teaching approach. In my science classes, this means incorporating coding activities that encourage students to analyze data, run simulations, and solve scientific proble...

Tweets and Teachables: My Journey as a Gen-Z Science Teacher on Twitter

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  Image Source: Author Hello, fellow educators and science enthusiasts! If you're reading this, you've likely embarked on a similar journey as me—a high school science teacher who just so happens to be a proud member of Gen-Z. Yes, I'm part of the generation that grew up with smartphones and social media, but until recently, I had yet to dive into the Twitterverse for professional networking, linked HERE . So, let me share my exciting experience of using Twitter to expand my personal learning network and how it's been a game-changer for me. Let me start by saying that I wasn't exactly a Twitter pro when I decided to give it a go for professional development. Like many of my fellow Gen-Zers, I was accustomed to using social media for personal connections and entertainment. However, the idea of using Twitter to connect with other educators and science aficionados piqued my interest. To kickstart my Twitter journey, I followed a curated list of 15 accounts that promise...

Unveiling the Impact of Technology: Insights from Educational Research

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  Greetings, fellow educators! Today, I want to delve into the world of educational technology and share some intriguing statistics that have caught my attention recently. As we strive to embrace the digital age in our classrooms, it's vital to understand how technology impacts our students beyond the flashy gadgets. Let's explore three research statistics that left a lasting impression on me. 1. Project Tomorrow's Speak Up Report: The Power of Student Voices One of the standout research reports that I came across is the Project Tomorrow's Speak Up Report. This report is a treasure trove of insights gathered from students, educators, parents, and various stakeholders about technology in education. It's impressive to note that since 2003, more than 5 million participants have contributed to this invaluable resource. What surprised me most is that 78% of high school students feel that they could do better in school if they had access to mobile devices for learning. Th...