Coasting along the water enabled me to focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around me, as well as become mindful of my own rhythms and movements.  ETEC 511 allowed for this reflection.  This course used a case study approach to examine technology in the design of instruction and curriculum in aspects of cultural, historical, ecological, natural, ethical, existential, spiritual, sociopolitical  and technical-empirical dimensions.  The framework of discourse for ETEC 511 was based upon an article by Stephen Petrina (n.k.), called e-Learning and Educational Technology with SOUL (Slow Online & Ubiquitous Learning).  The premise of the article suggested that although the availability of online 24/7 learning is considered to be convenient, it is a 'pitfall' as negative physical and psychological effects occur to online learners, and it is important to be cognizant of the health and well-being of elearners and iteachers.  Discussions were encouraged to be thoughtful, yet infrequent to focus on quality versus quantity.  As the semester progressed, I was thankful for the fostering of online self-regulation, as it brought me back outdoors to the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean shore, where I could reflect on my learning away from digital devices.

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The topics presented and discussions that ensued were informative and engaging.  Topics of particular interest to me included discussions around articles written by Catherine Adams.  They made me reflect on how technology is effecting our behaviour, in particular, children's behaviour.  As faster and stronger technology devices are being developed and our use of technology is more prevalent, this is causing our connections with technology to change as well as causing a change in our connections with other human beings.  I have always been interested in the psychology behind behaviour, and in this course, I became particularly interested in the influences of technology on children's behaviour.  Two artifacts, at the bottom of this page, describe various psychological phenomena that have resulted from the use of technology.