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Showing posts from March, 2024

Week 9- Celebrating Milestones: Teaching "O Canada" in ASL

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In the world of American Sign Language (ASL), every accomplishment is a reason to celebrate. Recently, I had the thrilling opportunity to witness such a milestone in my classroom. As a passionate ASL educator, I undertook the challenge of teaching my students how to sign "O Canada," and the experience was nothing but heartwarming. **Make sure to read all of this before watching heartwarming video :)** Preparing for the Moment: From the beginning, I knew that teaching "O Canada" in ASL would be meaningful. Not only does it offer a unique way to connect with Canadian culture, but it also serves as a powerful expression of unity and inclusivity. With this in mind, I eagerly dove into planning and preparation, excited to share this iconic anthem with my students in a language that transcends barriers. Learning and Progress: As we began our ASL journey, I was inspired by my students' enthusiasm and dedication. Week by week, we delved into the intricacies of ASL, prac...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Empowering Students Through Digital Literacy

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As someone who is knowledgeable about technology,  my passion is equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in today's digital world. Literature and writing provide a natural opportunity to integrate digital literacy principles, which empower students to navigate the vast online landscape with confidence and discernment. The NCTE framework  has great goals for people who do not know where to start.  To guide students through media analysis exercises, I draw from resources such as "Media Literacy in the K-12 Classroom" by NAMLE and "The Challenge of Defining 'Fake News'" by The New York Times. Together, we dissect online articles and social media posts, probing their credibility, bias, and sources. Such activities help students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding digital information, arming them with the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the digital realm. However, it's not just about analyzing content...

Week 8- Striking a Balance: Navigating Work and ASL Learning

As I reflect on my learning journey this week, I am faced with the usual challenge of balancing my commitments and aspirations. Despite my best efforts to stay on track with my American Sign Language (ASL) learning project, work and other responsibilities have again taken over my time and energy, making it difficult to keep up. This past week, I have been caught up in a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and unforeseen tasks, leaving little time for anything else. Even though I have tried to set aside moments for ASL practice and study, it often feels like I am fighting a losing battle against the constant flow of work-related obligations. The weight of falling behind in my American Sign Language (ASL) learning journey is causing me frustration and disappointment. I miss out on opportunities to practice and reinforce my skills, which is disheartening. Although I have a strong passion for ASL and want to progress, it seems like the demands of life keep getting in the way. Despite these c...

Crafting Logic: Building a Binary Counting System in Minecraft

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In this blog post, I invite you to explore the world of Minecraft as we embark on an exciting journey of logic and creativity. We will delve into the intricacies of building a binary counting system within the game and discover the limitless possibilities that Minecraft offers. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the video as we explore the fascinating intersection of gaming and technology!

Week 7- Balancing Act: Navigating Time Constraints in ASL Learning

As I reflect on my journey through learning American Sign Language (ASL), I realize that I have been facing time constraints that have been posing challenges to my progress. Despite my best intentions to dedicate time to my ASL studies, the demands of daily life often take precedence, leaving me with little opportunity to delve deeper into learning new signs. This past week, in particular, proved to be a whirlwind of activity and obligations. With work commitments, personal responsibilities, and unexpected events vying for my attention, I found myself stretched thin, struggling to find even a moment to devote to my ASL learning project. As much as I longed to expand my vocabulary and refine my signing skills, the relentless march of time left me overwhelmed and exhausted. In the face of various challenges, I had to make some tough decisions about allocating my limited time and energy. Although I remained passionate about learning ASL (American Sign Language), I realized the importance ...

Approaching Cyber Safety: Digital Citizenship in Schooling

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  Approaching cyber safety and digital citizenship in schooling was an important part of my educational journey. Instead of using scare tactics, my teachers took a proactive and educational approach. Through engaging lessons and discussions, they focused on teaching proper online behaviour, privacy protection, and ethical conduct in digital spaces. This approach was incredibly beneficial, as it equipped me with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape confidently.  As a future educator, I am passionate about implementing a comprehensive approach to digital citizenship in my classroom. I aim to create a culture where students develop a deep sense of responsibility and empathy in digital interactions. To achieve this, I plan to integrate digital citizenship seamlessly into various aspects of the curriculum. Through hands-on projects, collaborative discussions, and reflective activities, students will explore the nine elements of digital citizenship mea...

Week 6- Navigating the Time Crunch: Learning the Essentials of ASL

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In my journey to learn American Sign Language (ASL), mastering the signs for "Who," "What," "Where," "When," "Why," and "How" proved to be crucial yet challenging. Finding dedicated time to learn these fundamental signs amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life was no easy task. Each sign required meticulous attention to detail, from handshapes to facial expressions, making it essential to carve out focused practice sessions. However, balancing work, studies, and personal commitments often left me with limited time and energy for learning. Learning these essential signs demanded consistency and dedication. I had to steal moments throughout the day to practice, whether during my morning commute, brief breaks between tasks, or quiet evenings at home. Despite time constraints, I refused to relinquish my commitment to mastering these vital signs. Each small victory, like correctly forming a handshape or accurately expressing an i...