Weekly Reflection Blog Post #1

As I begin EDCI 336, I am thinking about how educational technology connects to larger questions about pedagogy and learning. Although getting started with the online platforms felt confusing at first, I recognize that discomfort is often part of meaningful learning. This course already feels like an opportunity to reflect on how education might be reimagined in more thoughtful and inclusive ways.

Do We Need to Reimagine Education?

I believe education does need to be reimagined, particularly through more student-led approaches to learning; for example, some of the learning we saw taking place at PSII with their student-led, inquiry-based approach. When students are given opportunities to make choices, explore their interests, and reflect on their learning, education becomes more meaningful and engaging. This aligns closely with Indigenous approaches to education, which emphasize relational learning, respect for lived experience, learning through observation, and the idea that knowledge is interconnected rather than compartmentalized.

Reimagining education through these perspectives challenges traditional, teacher-centred models and invites educators to act more as guides and co-learners. Moreover, I hope that technology, when used intentionally, can support these approaches by giving students multiple ways to express learning and engage at their own pace. I believe the image below helps represent this: learning through discomfort and at our own pace.

Obstacles to Changing Pedagogy

One major obstacle educators face when trying to change pedagogy is systemic constraint. Curriculum demands, standardized assessment, and limited time can make student-led approaches difficult to implement. There are also equity concerns, as not all students have equal access to technology or support outside of school. Additionally, educators may feel uncertain or underprepared when shifting away from familiar teaching methods, especially when learning new digital tools at the same time.

What Concerns and/or Excites Me About This Approach

What excites me most is the potential for learning to become more personal, reflective, and inclusive. Student-led and technology-supported approaches can create space for creativity and voice, especially for learners who may not thrive in traditional settings. At the same time, I am mindful of concerns around age-appropriateness, privacy, ethics, and balance. Especially in elementary contexts, technology must be carefully scaffolded and used in ways that prioritize relationships, safety, and well-being.