Weekly Reflection 8

 Let’s Talk About Our ED Tech Presentations!

From Virtual Reality adventures to screencasts, website building, our podcast findings, security systems in schools, and even a look at high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech classrooms, our class projects covered a ton. Each project opened up a totally different corner of what technology can look like in education.. Lets dive in!

High Tech, Low Tech, No Tech:

Ella, Lela and Benny kicked us off and shared what they explored in different classrooms that look high tech, low tech, or no tech at all.

My favorite line from them:
“Instead of relying on one tool, teachers use what is available—tech or not—to meet students needs where they are at.”

High Tech

• Engaging and powerful
• BUT expensive and needs to be constantly updating
• Can widen the digital divide (premium devices = premium features)

Low Tech

• Simple, affordable, durable
• Includes things like clocks, calculators, noise cancelling headphones, fidgets
• Supports digital literacy without overwhelming students
• Still can contribute to inequalities of the digital divide if some students have “better” versions

No Tech

• Waldorf-style, zero screens
• Holistic learning
• Imagination, problem solving, critical thinking
• Great for some learners, harder for those who need visual/auditory support

And the funniest part?
The QR code activity results… were basically all low tech for our class, and the school results. This
Totally surprised me, because I thought there would be way more high-tech or no tech classrooms. I also thought I’d be no tech, but now that I understand more about technology, I can totally see myself as a low-tech teacher.

Our Podcast, Grace, Shae, Daleen, Dakota

Next we presented our group’s podcast findings, which you can find and listen to our podcasts on my blog (posted under Educational Technology Presentations)

VR Field Trips: Passport Not Required

Next we had the “Alt-ternative Cowgirls” Makayla, Sophie and Chloe take us through the possibilities and benefits with Virtual Reality field trips.
When the budget isn’t there, VR field trips can help you make field trips happen.  Suddenly you’re at the zoo, in Europe, in a museum, underwater, wherever, all from your classroom. This means there is less administrative work, safety risks, and funding required.

No permission slips. No fundraising. No “sorry, the bus is full.”
Just safe, fun, accessible learning for every student.

VR offers:

• A way to “travel” globally on a tiny (or basically zero) budget
• Personal, immersive experiences
• Opportunities for all students, not just the ones who can afford real trips

Honestly? Virtual field trips are a great alternative when real field trips aren’t a possibility. Think like Ms. Frizzle, and take students places they never dreamed of going!

Too Much Tech = Tired Brains? Balance Matters

Next up, Danika, Sarah and Liah talked about something we don’t always think about: the balance between tech and actual cognitive development.

Their key message:
“Technology should enhance cognitive growth, not compete with it.”

They talked about how overusing tech affects:

• REM
• Attention span
• Emotional regulation
• Sensory load
• Cognitive overload
• Brain development overall

We need some technology in classrooms, but we also need handwriting, reading real books, face-to-face communication, and problem solving without just saying “eh, ask Google.”

Tech balance isn’t just a school issue, it’s a life issue.
Students need to think critically, not become passive consumers. Using tech intentionally, having a blended approach, and managing cognitive load… are all huge parts of balancing technology in classrooms.

In short: use tech, enjoy tech, learn from tech, but don’t let it replace thinking or learning.

Security Systems in Schools: Helpful or Prison Like?

And finally, the “Siren Sisters” Breanna, Amanda, Alexndra and Hannah took us into the world of school security systems, and honestly, it’s more complicated than I expected.

Pros:

• Helps students and staff feel safe
• Instant communication: Securly, CrisisGo, UC Safety, Rave Panic Button, and more
• Useful in lockdown situations
• Helps investigate conflicts or incidents

Cons:

• Loss of privacy, students can feel watched
• Can make school feel like a prison atmosphere
• Tech can fail, and it’s not always reliable
• Expensive upfront costs, and maintenance
• Data collection + monitoring = less trust

My favorite quote they shared:
“Protecting a child’s tomorrow before their fear ever reaches today.”
Powerful stuff.

This presentation made me think about the balance between safety and trust, yet again another form of “tech balance.”

Final Thoughts

Our presentations showed me that there is no one right way to use technology in education. VR can open the world. Podcasts can build student voice. Security systems can protect but also complicate. And sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective. It all depends on how you use technology.

The theme across everything?
Balance. Intentionality. And meeting students where they’re at.

Pretty good takeaways!

Photo by iuliu illes on Unsplash

Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

Photo by Boston Public Library on Unsplash

Photo by National Museum of Denmark on Unsplash