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Showing posts from May, 2026

An Aha Moment in LA: Learning Through Technology

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  An Aha Moment in LA: Learning Through Technology I sometimes wonder whether learning was more efficient whe n learners were primarily consumers rather than producers of knowledge, or what the pros and cons of produsage might be in education.   In my field of second- and foreign-language education, I deeply value open collaboration and the co‑construction of learning. Yet, I often ask myself: where should educators draw the line? I still don’t have a definitive answer to that question. Some of the readings we’ve done in class have helped me think more broadly about technology in education, but I remain open and curious as I continue exploring these concerns. My educational trip to Los Angeles brought many new perceptions of technology. I attended a poster presentation without knowing what to expect. In the past, poster sessions involved printed research displays, but this time, everything was digital. Attendees could touch and scroll through the screens to view different ...

Creating A Business Card That Lives in My Phone

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  Creating A Business Card That Lives in My Phone My educational trip to the conference in LA opened my eyes to many kinds of technology. It’s amazing what you become exposed to when you step outside your usual environment and connect with people from different fields. As I mentioned before, seeing self-driving cars made me think a lot about how far technology has advanced, even to the point of replacing some human tasks, and how I still struggle with fully trusting some of these new inventions with my life. Another thing that caught my attention was how technology makes everything accessible within seconds. During several sessions and presentations, I met people I wanted to connect with and exchange contact information, but with limited time between transitions, it was difficult.   During a table discussion for new members, I met someone who had to leave in the middle of our conversation. He looked at me and said,   “If you want to connect, you can just take a pi...

Witnessing the Evolution of Technology

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  Witnessing the Evolution of Technology I remember when Facebook first appeared. Back in my country, we used to pay per minute just to talk to someone on the phone, and international calls were even more expensive. When Facebook arrived, many people in my social circle were hesitant to use it because they feared talking to strangers or worried about the potential negative impacts. Over time, perspectives shifted, and people began to see that social media could also be used for meaningful, positive purposes. Today, technology feels so familiar that new inventions don’t always seem as impressive as they once did. But I believe that when we understand how to navigate these tools, the fear surrounding them becomes easier to manage. When we take control of how we use technology, rather than letting it control us, it becomes a powerful resource for connection, learning, and sharing knowledge. That is why staying up to date with current technology is so important. What also fascina...

From Childhood Imagination to Today’s Digital Reality

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  From Childhood Imagination to Today’s Digital Reality The everyday use of multiple digital tools has completely transformed the way I once imagined the world as a child. I grew up standing in line, waiting for others to finish their phone calls, never imagining that one day I would carry a device in my pocket that gives me 24/7 access to communication. When I reflect on the rapid advancement of technology and how it has reshaped my daily life, I realize that today’s digital reality has far surpassed anything I envisioned growing up. My early imagination of the future, especially the idea of seeing someone while talking to them, felt like a distant dream. Yet the arrival of FaceTime and video calls made that dream real. This makes me wonder what the next 20 years will bring.   New inventions may be just around the corner, maybe even within the next two years. Either way, I’m excited for what’s coming, and I appreciate the technologies that already make life easier, so muc...

Reflecting on How Far Technology Has Come

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  Reflecting on How Far Technology Has Come Every time I’m reminded of how far technology has advanced, I am genuinely amazed. I cannot imagine going back to a time without social media or the ability to stay connected with loved ones across the world. And yet, before social media existed, it somehow felt like nothing was missing. I still remember being very young in the early 2000s when someone mentioned the possibility of a future cell phone that would allow people to communicate face‑to‑face. My mind was full of questions. “How could that even be possible?” Microsoft Copilot. (2026). Where My Mind Is as This Class Begins [AI-generated image]. Microsoft Copilot.   The idea of video chatting felt unreal. But I was excited by the thought that one day I might finally see my siblings, whom I had never met in person. Sure enough, that time arrived. Now I have a smartphone and access to apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Zoom, and Google Meet that allow me to talk to my family ...

My State of Mind as the Class Begins

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 Where My Mind Is as This Class Begins Microsoft Copilot. (2026). Where My Mind Is as This Class Begins [AI-generated image]. Microsoft Copilot. When I registered for this course, I was not entirely sure what to expect in terms of its structure. Now that the class has begun, I am starting to see the value of the course and the many ways I will be able to apply the skills I learn, both professionally and personally. I do not consider myself highly technical, but I do enjoy learning to use various technological tools to support and enhance the work I do. I am genuinely excited to be part of this course. Having a space where I can be creative and produce my own work will positively influence my learning process in ways that are productive, engaging, and enjoyable. I hope to use the experiences I gain here to improve my teaching and learning practices. As a current student, I expect the tools we use to be practical and meaningful for my own learning, and ultimately, I hope to inte...