BC Tech Summit 2019
Attending the BC Tech Summit 2019 in Vancouver presented me with an incredible opportunity for rich education and innovation. While the summit wasn’t specifically focused on education, it offered a diverse range of workshops and speakers exploring technology’s impact on our world. Engaging in various sessions, I gained insights into emerging innovations and had the chance to converse with influential figures driving progress in the tech industry. Asking questions and learning from these experts sparked numerous ideas on leveraging technology for positive outcomes in my classroom. Moreover, I deepened my understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding the integration of technology in education. Additionally, I discovered new strategies to support students interested in exploring innovation within the tech sphere. Overall, this experience was both wonderful and meaningful, providing me with valuable insights that I frequently draw upon when contemplating or discussing the role of technology in the classroom.
Dance Pl3y
The Dance Pl3y training I participated in marked the beginning of my BEd journey, and it was an extraordinary learning experience. Initially, I felt anxious about what lay ahead in the program, but by the time I completed the Dance Pl3y session on our last day, I was filled with excitement for my path towards becoming an educator. Learning Dance Pl3y from Roxane Letterlough was unlike anything I had experienced before. She focused on Indigenous Dance Pl3y, and while I was initially nervous about participating in Indigenous dances due to my limited knowledge, Roxane’s expertise and warmth made it easier for me to step out of my comfort zone. Throughout the training, I learned many Indigenous teachings and gained insights into Indigenous history simply by participating in these captivating dances. This experience marked the first time I felt equipped to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into my future teaching. Looking back on this workshop, I am amazed by how far I’ve come. Only two semesters later, I have already taught three fully Indigenized lessons and continue to actively educate myself on additional ways to Indigenize my practice. Reflecting on this workshop fills me with hope for the future, especially considering the progress I have already made.
Let’s Talk: Unconscious Bias and Consequences- Imogene Lim
Attending this two-hour lecture was truly enlightening. Learning from such a distinguished scholar like Imogene Lim provided me with numerous unique and thought-provoking insights that prompted deep reflection and introspection. One particular point from her lecture has stayed with me, and I often find myself revisiting it. It was when she discussed the significance of names—how they resonate with us personally versus how they are perceived by others when seen on paper. While I had previously delved into Critical Race Theory and other sociology courses that explored unconscious biases, I had never considered the barriers some individuals face even before meeting face-to-face. Imogene Lim’s discussion on names was a revelation for me. I was struck by my own oversight regarding the impact of names and how people are often judged based on preconceived notions associated with their names, long before they have a chance to make an impression. This realization highlighted a privilege I had never before acknowledged. Meanwhile, hearing stories from others in the room about changing their names to circumvent such barriers deeply resonated with me. This lecture opened my eyes to the pervasive nature of unconscious biases and underscored their potentially devastating effects on people’s lives.