The relationship between tech & self-determination

In This Edition:

Self-Determination Theory & Digital Literacy: How can AI help students with Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness — 
AI tools to try with students — 
Shortcuts: Canva School Account and Calendly.

Your Weekly Digital Learning Compendium

OUR FOCUS THIS WEEK

Spring is here, Vampires!

We trust you are also enjoying the sunshine and longer days.

Today, let’s look into how educators can bring motivation, personal growth, and well-being into their classrooms through the lens of new technologies.
In this edition:
  • Self-Determination Theory & Digital Literacy in the age of AI
  • AI tools to try with students
  • A tool to schedule meetings with the external community: Calendly

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Have you heard of the Self-Determination Theory?

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a psychological framework that focuses on understanding human motivation, personal growth, and well-being.

It emphasizes the importance of satisfying three innate psychological needs to foster intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being:

  1. Autonomy: The need to feel in control of one’s own actions and decisions, and to have a sense of agency and choice.
  2. Competence: The need to feel capable and effective in one’s abilities, and to gain mastery and expertise in various domains.
  3. Relatedness: The need to experience meaningful connections and a sense of belonging with others, fostering a sense of mutual understanding and care.

What does it have to do with tech, you ask?

In this article by Thomas K.F. Chiu, published after the pandemic crisis, the author  argues that digital literacy is crucial for fostering students’ self-determination, motivation, and engagement.

By integrating digital literacy into curricula and teaching methods, educators can help students satisfy those innate psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness we referenced earlier. 

As a result, students become more motivated and engaged in the learning process, which ultimately contributes to their overall academic success and personal development.

🤖 And, in this day and age, how might we go about this?

Here are are 5 practical strategies for teachers looking to implement digital literacy activities in the age of AI:

1. Integrate AI tools: Familiarize students with AI-powered tools and platforms, such as virtual assistants, chatbots, and intelligent tutoring systems, to enhance their learning experiences and teach them how to effectively use AI technologies.

2. Teach critical thinking: Encourage students to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of online information, especially when dealing with AI-generated content, by checking sources, cross-referencing information, and questioning biases.

3. Collaborative projects: Organize group projects that involve using AI tools to solve real-world problems, fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

4. Ethical discussions: Engage students in discussions about the ethical implications of AI technologies, including privacy concerns, potential biases, and the impact on jobs and society.

5. Encourage creativity: Invite students to imagine new AI applications or potential future developments and share their ideas with the class.

These AI Experiments with Google can help
 

Over the years, Google has put out a few different experiments for people wanting to try out new technological developments.

Their AI repertoire is growing! Some of these are definitely not new, but could serve as a basis for these discussions to happen in your classroom! Plus, you don’t need an account, and it’s safe to use it all. Take a look.
I mean, who wouldn’t be motivated by comparing their singing to Freddie Mercury’s! Check out the Freddiemeter here.

SHORTCUTS

Join our Canva School Account (with all the logos and branding colors!) by clicking this link! Bonus: You get immediate access to premium features by joining through the link. ( Available for teachers and 13+ students only)

Take a look at how easy it is to schedule a meeting with parents or external participants through Calendly: