EDUC 345: Emerging Learning Technologies

Assignment: Computational Thinking and Digital Literacy Assignment Reflection

This assignment aligns with the following program learning outcomes:

LO3: Analyze and design assessment(s) to evaluate effective teaching and learning.

LO4: Develop and implement instructional methods based on pedagogical models and learning theories.

LO6: Critically reflect on theories and practices of teaching and learning for continuous improvement.

LO8: Evaluate technology-supported learning environments.

LO9: Create effective digital instructional materials and online learning environments.

Assignment description and purpose:

This assignment involved creating several activities that can be implemented in the classroom related to digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking. These activities focused on real classroom situations and challenges including AI bias; students’ misuse of technology and how to design non-technology activities to teach digital citizenship. The purpose of this activity is to help students develop their critical thinking skills when engaging with digital content. This assignment was not only about the use of AI but it was about supporting students in evaluating and judging AI content by questioning information and checking sources. This will help students be responsible when using AI and understand the reliability of information. This assignment helped me connect theoretical concepts of computational thinking to practice.

Skills gained as an instructional designer:

I learned how to create activities that require higher-order thinking such as analysis and critical thinking. It also helped me to evaluate the digital content in a deeper way and understand how fake information can affect student’s understating, opinions, and perception of life.

The main strength of this assignment:

One of the main strengths of this artifact is that it is based on real-life scenarios that students encounter every day. This makes learning more meaningful and relevant. Another strength of this artifact is the creation of digital and non-digital activities which shows flexibility in instructional design by allowing learning to take place in different contexts.

Recommendations for Enhancing the Assignment:

If I were to improve this assignment, I would add rubrics so students know what to expect and understand their strengths and weaknesses better. This assignment can be linked to the course EDUC342 – Instructional Design, where I designed structured learning experiences with learning objectives, content, and assessment. It can also be aligned with EDUC343 – Online Teaching and Learning, as it also focuses on students’ engagement and interaction even when technology is not the main tool.