Each week of the EDUC 5905 course we engaged in discussion boards where we would answer prompts then read and respond to our classmates’ responses. Below is a collection of 3 of my favorite responses. to the discussion board prompts.
Week 2 Thread: How Technologies Shape Teaching/Learning
When I think about how educational technologies collectively shape K–12 teaching and learning today, what stands out most is how embedded they’ve become in everyday classroom routines. Tools like learning management systems, collaborative documents, and digital assessment platforms have changed not just what students learn, but how they engage with content, teachers, and each other. At their best, these technologies can increase access to materials, support collaboration, and offer students multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. At the same time, they can also reinforce traditional practices if they’re only used to digitize worksheets or streamline grading rather than deepen learning.
Looking ahead, one area that seems poised to be especially impactful is the continued growth of adaptive and AI-supported tools. These technologies have the potential to personalize learning, provide immediate feedback, and support students at different entry points. However, this potential also raises important questions about equity, data privacy, and whether students are being taught to critically evaluate the tools they’re using rather than passively relying on them. Without intentional instruction, there’s a risk that these innovations widen gaps rather than close them. It is hard to think that a student would be able to affectively use these tools when many adult teachers are wary about their use. Last year I took the AI Lynch Workshop at Emmanuel to learn more about AI uses for education. These tools save educators time and with modern Canva AI tools teachers can even create the exact code they want for their classroom. These new technologies mean teachers need better more explicit training on how to best use them and students need to be taught the critical thinking skills necessary to enter a world with so many emerging AI tools.
This makes the balance between technology integration and core teaching practices especially important. For me, effective integration means starting with pedagogy and learning goals first, then choosing technology only when it meaningfully supports those goals. Educators also need to consider inclusivity – whether students have access, prior experience, and explicit instruction in how to use tools effectively. When technology reduces barriers and supports student thinking, it can be powerful. When it adds cognitive load or assumes background knowledge students don’t have, it can undermine learning. Yes we know that our students might be provided with a chromebook and learn how to do certain things on their computers along the way, however, due to the online tutorials and in person many of our current students have received they lack the problem solving skills previous generations gained while trying to figure out how to use modern technology.
Overall, I see educational technology as a tool that amplifies teaching practices rather than replaces them. The challenge – and opportunity – lies in using it intentionally, equitably, and in ways that center student learning rather than the novelty of the technology itself.
Week 4 Thread: Creating and Sharing Media
When it comes to engaging students using video, I think what works best is keeping videos short, purposeful, and personal. Students are much more likely to stay engaged when a video is clearly structured, has an introduction that explains what they’ll learn, and focuses on just one or two key ideas at a time. I’ve also found that videos feel more engaging when they include the teacher’s voice or face, even briefly, rather than being slides only. It helps maintain a sense of connection and makes the content feel more approachable. I’ve also found my middle schoolers tend to prefer speakers who use visuals rather than watching a video of someone talking.
The media sources I’ve found most useful are short instructional or concept-building videos, such as Generation Genius or BrainPOP, as well as teacher-created videos that students can pause and rewatch as needed (found through teacher groups or on youtube). These are especially helpful for students who need repetition or benefit from hearing explanations more than once. I also like pairing videos with an activity or discussion so students are actively thinking rather than passively watching. An example of this would be last week when my 8th graders learned to draw Bohr and Lewis diagrams. Together we watched this video.which we paused during the “mini quiz” to try drawing the diagrams on our chalkboard and whiteboard. The students benefitted from receiving another explanation that was not from me and benefitted from having visuals and subtitles available. The video was short and pause points allowed for engagement.
For creating and sharing media, I prefer tools that are simple and flexible, like screen-recording tools or platforms that allow me to embed videos directly into assignments or learning management systems. The ability to chunk content into smaller videos makes it easier for students to revisit specific topics without feeling overwhelmed. I prefer using canva as it is easy to use and most job fields are using canva to create visuals – meaning teaching this tool to my students is essential for them to learn viable skills. I also love to use Wayground (formerly quizizz) to take videos from PBS or teacher created materials and adding pause points for students to answer questions.
One tip I would offer to peers is not to overthink production quality. Videos don’t need to be highly polished to be effective – clarity, enthusiasm, and organization matter much more. Planning ahead with a quick outline or script, keeping videos short, and speaking in a conversational tone can go a long way in making educational media more engaging and accessible for students. I would also emphasize that before creating a video teachers should look to see if one already exists as there is no need to reinvent the wheel when someone else created a free to use resource.
Week 6 Thread: Professional Development Plan
As I continue developing as a science educator, I am intentionally building a professional development plan that keeps me current with emerging technologies and best practices in STEM education. My goal is to remain responsive to new tools while ensuring that technology meaningfully enhances student learning rather than simply adding novelty.
Last year I completed a professional development session through the Lynch Institute at Emmanuel College focused on AI strategies for the classroom, which I highly recommend to fellow educators. This experience strengthened my understanding of how AI can support differentiation, lesson planning, and student inquiry while also raising important considerations around ethical and responsible use.
In the coming weeks, I hope to attend Science Adventures in Boston to further expand my repertoire of hands-on, inquiry-based science strategies. I prioritize professional learning that emphasizes active student engagement, real-world connections, and accessible lab experiences for diverse learners. This particular Lynch workshop has been cancelled before though so I’m hoping that it will run this coming session.
I also consistently participate in virtual professional development offered by Kesler Science and PocketLab. These ongoing learning opportunities help me stay current with NGSS-aligned practices, data collection technology, and effective middle school science pedagogy. The flexibility of virtual PD allows me to continuously refine my instruction throughout the school year without adding expenses or travel.
Moving forward, I am actively researching additional workshops and conferences that focus on:
- emerging educational technology
- culturally responsive STEM instruction
- project-based and phenomena-driven science learning
- ethical AI and digital literacy in the science classroom
My long-term goal is to become a science teacher who thoughtfully integrates technology to deepen inquiry, support diverse learners, and prepare students to critically engage with the rapidly evolving scientific and digital world. I view professional learning as an ongoing responsibility and plan to continue seeking high-quality opportunities that challenge and grow my practice. I would love to know if anyone knows of any good professional development for over the summer.