Dr. Rene Redekopp from the University of Manitoba joined our #I4Ed class this week, presenting on the impact of technology and industry to the global community. Redekopp informed us about how poor design is landing our devices in the dump, the unfair and hazardous working conditions for those manufacturing our technology, and how the overwhelming amount of e-waste is being mishandled. My eyes were opened to the serious situation we’re in right now.
Redekopp’s presentation wasn’t about guilting us for upgrading our smartphones, but rather to educate us about these global issues and inspire us to take action. These ideas were created by his own students; a good place to start. The video below, by The Story of Stuff Project, explains the unsustainable process of today’s technology and offers suggestions on how to turn things around. It’s well worth your seven minutes, so check it out:
As educators, we have an opportunity to impact the leaders of tomorrow by how we deliver curriculum in our classrooms. Today’s youth need to be informed of the global problems we’re facing and be given space to problem solve and collaborate. Students might just be the solution we’re all looking for.
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| Image source: https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1*4SsrCD0ot-HFsu-HHM9xrw.jpeg |
Sources
Redekopp, R. (2021). “Why You Should Love Your Smartphone More”. Retrieved on January 29, 2021: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1I7lgT2RMAJPqe8nUYaeh8fLvSk2DNoJppJwLAOU8NJU/edit#slide=id.p.
Everything Connects. “E-Waste”. Retrieved on January 29, 2021: https://www.everythingconnects.org/e-waste.html.
Deanne, like you, I had my eyes opened this past week to the reality of our e waste situation. I had thought about it before but I hadn't really thought about it if you know what I mean. I know that I don't upgrade my cell phone every time a new version comes out however there are many people who do to keep up with the greatest and latest technology. That being said, I usually upgrade my phone shortly after my contract ends which is when the battery starts to deplete out. I would be willing to invest in a phone that would allow me to switch the parts out that no longer work effectively, such as the fairphone that Dr. Redekopp mentioned in his lecture. I appreciated your use of the infographic to display information that is appealing to readers. It also reminds me of two of the tech tasks we will complete in #I4Ed. As a future educator, your last paragraph speaks volume. I hope that you, our colleagues, and myself will help teach students the importance of a global view of digital citizenship as we have our own students this upcoming fall!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to use the "story of electronics" video to activate an inquiry project in my final placement! I'd love to hear ideas you might have to get this topic into the classroom.
DeleteAnd I can absolutely relate to that "device expiry" - it seems that every 18-24 months, my phone stops charging, or the screen goes funny, or I trip and crack it ... My current phone I bought second-hand and I think that's what I'll do going forward - reusing an existing product seems like a better option than buying new, at least until modular phones are available in Canada.
Awesome post! How do you think you would teach kids about this? Do you also think it is something we as a society will move towards so that other places/people don't have to suffer? Great job!
ReplyDeleteI sure hope we can move towards solutions that leave our earth intact and are harmonious to all people and places. In my final placement I am doing a unit on "beyond global citizenship" for a grade 9/10 Life/Work class. I'm excited to see what the young minds come up with!
DeleteI really enjoyed this post and I totally I agree, I think that educating our students is definitely a big part of the solution to this problem. I really liked the infographic and videos that you included, very interesting!
ReplyDeleteAwesome to hear, Heather! Thanks for your comment.
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