Today’s class discussion delved into a wide array of topics, from the evolving capabilities of artificial intelligence to the implications of technology in learning design and classroom environments. Reflecting on the insights shared, I find myself grappling with newfound perspectives and considerations that challenge my previous understanding.

Listening to the conversation with ChatGPT shed light on the remarkable advancements in AI technology, particularly in its ability to emulate human-like interactions with empathy and fluidity. It is something that I had never imagined to be a real thing, especially compared to Siri even, who has a much more robotic tone in comparison. The notion of companionship that some individuals may develop with AI, especially those who are isolated, was particularly intriguing and something I had never considered before. Hearing someone being emotionally attached to an AI figure would be something I would have regarded as an unstable behaviour in the past, as I did not know better. Hearing how empathetic and humane that the AI voice sounded made it very obvious how it would feel very real to some people who are craving attachment but are very alone, becoming a crutch for those individuals. 

In talking and communicating with AI, I realise the ease with which personal information can be shared with AI, coupled with its advanced capabilities, as we discussed an Alexa being able to identify and distinguish a specific person’s voice and how what is told to chatGPT is stored somewhere, even if its memory is turned off. AI is so much more advanced than I thought it was coming into this class, which highlights my own ignorance on the subject and underscored the importance of enhancing my understanding to effectively teach technology in a classroom setting.

Exploring Sora’s text-to-video capabilities revealed both the vast educational potential and ethical considerations inherent in such technology. I see using Sora’s capabilities in an educational setting to expose students to different parts of the world, to a moment in history that they are learning about, or even to scientific processes like volcanic eruptions, tectonic activity, or atmospheric events. While the ability to immerse students in diverse learning experiences is promising, the misuse of this technology, as evidenced by the creation of fake videos that I have seen, raises concerns about misinformation and manipulation. I saw a video on the news the other day of Joe Biden talking negatively about Donald Trump, being completely fake, but presented itself as so real that it fooled my grandma who was watching the same channel. I find myself really uncomfortable with the implications until watermarks are more enforced and obvious, emphasizing the need to teach learners critical thinking skills to navigate such challenges. I also worry about the rollout process of this technology. I wonder about who will have access to it first, and how this will affect different industries like set designers. Somewhat terrifyingly, I wonder how this could be detrimental within politics and used nefariously in situations of power or when powerful figures want to turn a group against another person, who has no regard for morals or ethics.

Our discussion on learning design emphasized the importance of intentionality and flexibility in educational practices. The Constructive Alignment Triangle provided a refreshing approach to lesson planning, making the process less intimidating and more focused on meaningful learning experiences. The triangle stuck out to me as it makes what we have been learning in this program so much less intimidating, bringing the sight of the goal back to what our intention is for a lesson. Creating a lesson has become a very big and honestly a slightly intimidating process throughout this program, and I really appreciated this new and much more friendly way of approaching lesson planning. Especially thinking about how technology can be utilized to enhance the achievement of the lesson goal. Similarly, the SAMR model offered a framework for understanding how technology can enhance teaching and learning, from simple substitution to transformative redefinition. The realization of the significant impact of classroom design on inspiration and learning further underscored the importance of thoughtful design considerations in educational settings. Classroom design has been a huge thing I have noticed about being in classrooms. I find a massive difference in the inspiration that comes from different classrooms based on their layout and design, which makes it a very important element that I will devote lots of attention to as an educator, especially one who is starting their career and is looking to define what an effective, productive classroom looks and feels like.

Overall, I appreciate the opportunity afforded by our class to engage in self-inquiry and explore our interests through ed camps. To me, this format allows for more personalized learning experiences and fosters a deeper understanding of topics that resonate with our interests and curiosities. As I continue my journey as an educator, I am committed to embracing the potential of technology while remaining mindful of its ethical implications and leveraging it intentionally to create meaningful learning experiences for my students.