I found Jesse’s lecture today really eye-opening about the boundaries that educators need to set between their professional and personal life. It brought forward a couple questions as a future educator, regarding my personal social media presence as well as my digital footprint. Specifically, his presentation will make me rethink what I post on social media. Is this something that I am comfortable having public? Who else does this impact?

It is important to recognize that times have changed and many of our 21st century learners are growing up in a highly technological environment. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the typical in-class setting switched digital. As an educator working with this young generation, it is important to honour the resources and technology they are familiar with, and incorporate it into the classroom.

Jesse also emphasized the importance of using ONLY technology that you feel is necessary both in the classroom, and in your personal life. Parents, and others around you will often be quick to judge the technological platforms that you choose to use. Many parents may hold 20th century views of technology and will often feel negatively about incorporating it into the classroom. It is important that you, as the teacher, are using the technology in a meaningful way that is crucial to student learning. If you are incorporating it effectively, you should be able to confidently discuss these potential concerns with hesitant parents.