Journey Through Innovative Digital Pedagogies

During tonight's class, I learned about Edcafe AI, a digital tool designed to help educators create custom chatbots for their classrooms. I had not heard of this tool before Group 4’s presentation. Their demo of Edcafe was informative and it highlighted the program's practical, accessible, and relevant features. I learned that  Edcafe AI is a platform that enables teachers to create AI-powered chatbots tailored to specific educational needs, such as mathematics or science. One of the most meaningful takeaways of Group 4's presentation to me was the idea that chatbots could serve as learning companions, particularly for students who may feel hesitant to ask questions in class or who need additional support outside of school hours. This concept resonated with me because it highlights how technology can foster a more inclusive and responsive learning environment (e.g., adaptive learning).  I took away several key insights from the presentation. First, Edcafe AI is accessible...

This week's class was dedicated to group presentations, which focused on various forms of digital technology that can be utilized to address each group's problem of practice. During this class, I was introduced to the Merge Cube through group 3's presentation.  The Merge Cube is a handheld augmented reality (AR) device that allows users to "hold" and interact with 3D digital objects using a smartphone or tablet. The group examined what can be done when the Merge Cube is paired with apps, such as Merge Explorer or Object Viewer, allowing it to become a dynamic interface. They demonstrated how the Merge Cube can be used to learn about a wide range of topics, including anatomy and the solar system.  What struck me most during the presentation was how the Merge Cube bridges the gap between abstract concepts and tangible understanding. It supports multisensory learning (i.e., visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), which supports diverse learning needs. This kind of active...

  After this week’s class, where we were provided with a list of digital tools, I decided to explore Discord. Each cohort of students I have taught over the last five years or so has had a class Discord page (i.e., a student-hosted Discord, not a faculty-supported one), and I am unfamiliar with the tool. So I took this as my opportunity to learn about it. Discord is a free communication platform that enables users to interact in real-time via text, voice, and video. Originally popular among gamers, it has evolved into a versatile tool used by communities and students worldwide. Discord is organized into servers, which are either private or public spaces that can host multiple channels for various topics or activities. These channels can be text-based, such as chat rooms, or voice- and video-based, like virtual meeting rooms. Discord is customizable, has a low barrier to entry, and a community-first design. It supports bots, integrations, and moderation tools, making it ideal for ...

In the presentation titled  "Innovative Pedagogical Approaches for Mental Wellness in Digital Learning," the group presented on the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed pedagogy, culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy (CRRP), and flipped classrooms through the lens of the digital tool H eadspace .  The presentation emphasized the importance of creating emotionally safe, inclusive, and culturally aware learning environments. These pedagogical approaches are human-centred, aiming to support students not just academically, but also emotionally and socially.  Headspace, a digital mindfulness app, was an interesting example of how technology can support mental well-being in digital learning environments. The group also discussed the importance of acknowledging the teacher's mental health. The unique challenges of teaching in a digital environment (e.g., limited student engagement, teaching to a "black screen") can be particularly tryin...