In my journey with fitness, technology, and documenting throughout, I have learned how to create digital content through videos, hyperlinks, and digital resources that I can look back on. Find more information on Topic 3: Digital Storytelling from our professor, Rich. I enjoyed this class so much that I plan to continue blogging about my journey even after the course ends. Since my family doesn’t live in Victoria, blogging is also a great way for them to stay connected and see what’s happening in my personal life, even when we’re not in the same city.
Additionally, I’ve gained valuable insights into podcasting and plan to continue the podcast journey I started a while ago. With the knowledge I’ve gained from this course, I’m excited to take my podcast to the next level.
In my Technology and Innovation class at UVIC, I learned how sketchnotes can reflect my understanding of the material. The visuals help me connect concepts and retain information, making it a useful tool for learning. Thank you, Rich, for teaching me lifelong skills that I can apply both to everyday life and in my classroom.
This week, I shifted my fitness focus to strength training, specifically targeting the glutes. To guide my workout, I used a helpful video titled “The ONLY 3 Dumbbell Glute Exercises You Need (Bigger Butt).” The content had a great mix of humor and education, breaking down why each of the three exercises is effective for glute activation. I personally enjoy watching videos before attempting new strength training exercises because it makes the process easier to understand than text or pictures alone.
The ONLY 3 Dumbbell Glute Exercises You Need (Bigger Butt) Youtube Video
The Three Glute Exercises with Dumbbells
The glutes consist of three muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. All the exercises listed below target these muscles for a comprehensive workout.
Dumbbell Hip Thrusts
Positioning: Lay back with your upper back resting on a bench or an elevated surface. Hold a dumbbell on your hips with both hands.
Movement: Lift your hips towards the sky. Lower your hips slowly, letting your torso come upright, then drive back up through your heels, squeezing your glutes at the top.
Form Tips: Tighten your core. Avoid arching your back at the top and maintain core engagement. For maximum glute activation, keep your shins vertical and knees bent.
Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)
Setup: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
Execution: Hinge forward at the hips while keeping your back straight and core tight, stopping once you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
Return: Engage your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back to a standing position.
Bulgarian Split Squats
Starting Position: Stand in a split stance with one foot forward and the other foot resting on a bench or elevated surface.
Execution: Hold dumbbells by your sides and lower your body by bending your front knee, keeping your spine straight and core engaged. Push through your front foot to return to the starting position.
Three Tips to Enhance Glute Engagement
Lean Forward: Helps activate the glutes more effectively.
Squat Deep: Ensures full range of motion and muscle engagement.
Squeeze Glutes: Focus on squeezing at the top of each rep for optimal activation.
Screenshot of Flashlight Sensor from Science Journal
Summary of New B.C. Ministry of Education Guidelines on Device Use in K-12 Schools
The B.C. Ministry of Education has introduced new guidelines for device use in K-12 schools that emphasize restricting cellphone use. While specific rules vary by district, a common approach has emerged. In most elementary schools, cellphone use is banned throughout the entire school day, from start to finish. For secondary schools, the guidelines are more lenient, typically limiting device usage to non-instructional times such as breaks, before school, and after school hours.
Smartphones and Tablets in Educational Settings: Helpful or Not?
Smartphones and tablets have a complex role in educational settings, particularly for the grade level I intend to teach. While these devices can offer access to interactive learning apps, immediate research opportunities, and digital collaboration, they often pose challenges as well. In the classroom, smartphones frequently become a distraction, diverting students from lessons, reducing focus, and potentially hampering meaningful peer-to-peer interactions.
Research backs up these concerns. For example, a recent article on new B.C. district policies to restrict cellphone use during the 2024-25 school year highlights findings that removing cellphones from the classroom can reduce students’ temptation to check their devices, fostering better engagement with the learning material and peers.
A video from a B.C. Premier also reinforces this sentiment, indicating that while the cellphone ban will stay in place, its implementation varies across school districts. Watch here.
Youtube Video on B.C. premier says cellphone ban to stay but can differ across school districts
Our technology inquiry question is: “What are the benefits and challenges of integrating AI technologies into K-12 education?” presented by Kathryn, Arwyn, Paris, and Shanyce. Our presentation explores how AI can revolutionize teaching and learning. AI has the potential to enhance personalized learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks for teachers, and provide adaptive feedback to meet diverse student needs. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, equitable access, and the need for robust teacher training cannot be overlooked. Our project highlights strategies and best practices for AI integration into the classroom.
Check Out our Full Presentation on YouTube Below On Navigating the Future of AI in Education!
In our technology and innovation class, guest speaker Brittany Johnson shared valuable classroom management strategies designed to support student engagement and emotional well-being. Below is an overview of some key strategies she discussed:
SEL Check-ins
Brittany emphasized the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) check-ins to understand students’ feelings each day. One example involved using characters and emotions from the movie Inside Out paired with a check-in sheet that reads: “I feel [blank] because [blank], and people around me can help by [blank].” There is also a tick box for students to indicate if they want to speak to their teacher about their feelings. This creative approach provides a fun and meaningful way for students to express their emotions, fostering better understanding and support from teachers. Reflecting on this, I feel that such a tool could have made a big difference during my childhood, offering a way for my emotions to be recognized and supported.
Soft starts and thoughtful transitions help ease students into new activities. For example, during my Grade 1 practicum, my teacher uses calm music, fidget toys, building blocks, reading time, and drawing in the mornings to gently transition students into their day. This practice reduces anxiety and helps students settle in, creating a positive learning environment.
Photo taken by me (Kathryn Gullackson) at my Link2Practice in a Grade 1 classroom. Hands on build your own design on black sheet.
Routines and Expectations
Brittany highlighted that children often thrive on routine and structure. Clear expectations can reduce anxiety and help students feel more secure. In my practicum, my teacher uses a visual schedule with laminated circles, each representing an activity. As the day progresses, a clothespin moves to the next circle, visually showing students what to expect. This simple yet effective approach gives students a clear picture of their day.
Photo taken by me (Kathryn Gullackson) at my Link2Practice in a Grade 1 classroom. Visual classroom agenda.
Inquiry and Strength Based Approach
Brittany sets classroom goals focused on students’ interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Recognizing that every class is different, this approach ensures students remain engaged, challenged, and motivated by what truly interests and inspires them.
Co-Creating and Collaboration
Involving students in co-creating classroom rules, decorations, learning materials, and rubrics helps them feel a sense of ownership and engagement. When students have a voice in their environment, they are more invested and engaged, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and collaboration.
Digital Literacy Framework
Finally, Brittany emphasized how technology can be a powerful tool to help students engage and take ownership of their learning. Using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, technology can enhance engagement, representation, and action/expression, impacting different parts of the brain. By leveraging technology, we can support a diverse range of learning styles and needs.
A Balanced Day for Optimal Health: SWEAT, STEP, SLEEP, and LIMIT SEDENTARY TIME ages 5-17 years
What are the Benefits?
In my PHE 31O–PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR GENERAL CLASSROOM TEACHERS class we learned the benfits are:
Academic Performance
Student Confidence
Student Behavior
Physical Health
Mental Health
Social Health
Photo by Thirdman on Pixels
How can Teachers Meet These Guidelines?
As educators, we play a crucial role in integrating movement into the school day. Here are some ways in my link2practice at Willows Elementary where these guidlines have been applied:
Morning runs or physical activity sessions before school.
Frequent movement breaks, where students can stand up, stretch, or do jumping jacks.
Taking learning outdoors, such as a walk for science class.
Setting up an exercise bike station outside the classroom.
Despite these efforts, many schools still fall short of meeting these guidelines. How can we shift this?
The solution begins with future teachers, like us, recognizing the importance of movement and actively working to incorporate these guidelines into our classrooms. By educating ourselves and adopting these strategies, we can help foster healthier, more active environments for our students.
I learned how to code with Flappy Birds and even created my own coding game HERE. Learning step-by-step made it easy to follow, but I feel like I could spend hours exploring how everything works and figuring out ways to make an even better game.
Insights on Computational Thinking: Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills from Digital Literacy + Computational Thinking for Children
From the Best of Digital Literacy + Computational Thinking for ChildrenYouTube video, I learned a straightforward definition of computational thinking and its role in enhancing students’ problem-solving skills. Computational thinking encourages a systematic approach to challenges. Through decomposition, students can break down complex tasks into manageable parts, while pattern recognition enables them to identify commonalities in problems, simplifying solutions. Abstraction helps students focus on relevant details while ignoring distractions, and algorithmic thinking guides them in creating clear, sequential steps to address issues. This approach equips students with a valuable framework for tackling problems effectively across subjects.
Importantly, computational thinking isn’t just for math or science—it’s applicable across various subjects. In language arts, for instance, students might use decomposition to analyze story structure, or pattern recognition to identify recurring themes. Such integration promotes critical and logical thinking, preparing students to tackle problems in diverse real-world contexts.
Protein Are you Getting Enough? Podcast By Science Vs.
The podcast explores the rise of protein influencers, who claim that many people aren’t consuming enough protein and offer various hacks to increase intake. These influencers suggest that extra protein can help build muscle, promote fullness, and aid in weight loss. To investigate these claims, the hosts speak with kinesiology professor Stuart Phillips and nutrition professor Faidon Magkos, delving into the science behind protein consumption and its actual benefits.
The evidence behind protein’s role in weight loss and muscle building comes from several scientific studies:
Fullness and Weight Loss: Protein has been shown to be the most satiating macronutrient, helping people feel fuller for longer. This effect can support weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Muscle Growth: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, especially after exercise. However, studies suggest that consuming protein beyond a certain limit (around 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight) doesn’t significantly increase muscle mass.
Timing: Post-workout protein consumption may enhance muscle repair, but the “anabolic window” extends up to 48 hours, making immediate intake less crucial than often advertised.
According to the Harvard Medical School, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This is the amount needed to meet basic nutritional requirements. However, if you are physically active or exercise regularly, you may need to increase your protein intake to support muscle repair and growth.
SAMR Model The SAMR model, developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, is a framework that helps educators evaluate how technology can transform teaching and learning. SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition, representing the different levels of integrating technology into the classroom. You can watch this video on SAMR for further explanation.
The SAMR Model: Technology Integration from Enhancement to Transformation
SAMR model, illustrated by Sylvia Duckworth
Challenges of SAMR While SAMR provides a roadmap for technology integration, it can be time-consuming for teachers to implement effectively. One of the key challenges is assessing the individual needs of students within limited time constraints. How do educators ensure technology meets each student’s needs in a timely manner?
TPACK Model
TPACK model, first introduced by Punya Mishra and Matthew J. Koehler in 2006 by research found HERE. The TPACK model helps educators select the most appropriate technology or tools to meet specific learning objectives. This model emphasizes the combination of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge, helping teachers choose tools that enhance their teaching in meaningful ways. It’s important to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each tool since not all educational technologies are suitable for every classroom or age group.
Could Sketchnoting Benefit Grade 3 Learners?
A 2018 study from the University of Waterloo, found that drawing is superior to writing for memory retention. This study showed that older adults could enhance their memory by incorporating drawing into their learning process. I believe this approach could greatly benefit my future Grade 3 classroom, as most children enjoy drawing and being creative. The study can be found HERE.
For example, when teaching a topic like fractions, students could use sketchnoting to visually organize their ideas, linking concepts across the page to aid in retention. By engaging in this creative process, students may find it easier to remember new concepts while enjoying the learning process.
