The Root & STEM Podcast

Brandon Bunnie: Growth Through Gaming

Ampere’s Interactive Game Design Lead, Brandon Bunnie, sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology and culture, making games that invite players to explore language, make mistakes and find their own way forward. Brandon met up with Ampere’s Digital Media Specialist John Stewart to chat about his work.

Building Digital Citizens: Teaching Critical Skills in the Digital Age

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Cassidy Swanston and Abbey Ramdeo from Actua discuss their roles in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across Canada. They delve into the importance of digital citizenship and combatting misinformation. Cassidy dispels common misconceptions about digital safety, while Abbey shares insights on building critical digital skills. Both stress the significance of ethical behaviour and critical thinking in navigating the digital world. The conversation extends to discuss strategies for combating cyberbullying and the evolving impact of AI on digital citizenship. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents and educators on fostering safe digital habits. 00:00 Introduction and Team Roles 00:46 Defining Digital Citizenship 01:41 Common Misconceptions About Digital Citizenship 03:53 Teaching Soft Skills in Digital Citizenship 06:12 Spotting Fake News and Misinformation 08:31 AI's Impact on Digital Citizenship 10:51 Combating Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 14:14 Digital Literacy vs. Digital Citizenship 16:00 Advice for Parents on Digital Safety 18:43 Understanding Digital Footprint 20:25 Key Takeaways and Resources

Beth Sampson: Innovating Education in Nunavut

In this episode of Root & STEM, Beth, a classroom teacher from Cambridge Bay, NU, Beth Sampson shares her journey from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to becoming a senior high math and science specialist in a remote Nunavut community. Beth discusses her academic background, the challenges and opportunities of digital citizenship, and her pursuit of a master's degree in Creativity, Sustainability, and Innovation through Cape Breton University. Beth explains her experiences with digital education during the school year 2021-2022, including her involvement in creating resources like the Digitally Nunavut Ed website, and addresses the unique aspects of digital citizenship within the context of Nunavut's evolving technological landscape. She highlights the importance of modeling good digital citizenship and collaborating with Inuit cultural resources to engage students. Beth also offers insights into the special challenges students and teachers face regarding technology access and safety online, emphasizing the importance of cultural and community context in digital education. 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:19 Journey into Digital Citizenship 05:14 Defining Digital Citizenship 10:10 Digital Citizenship in Nunavut 20:32 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Citizenship 37:13 Resources and Recommendations 44:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Vivian Lee: Navigating Digital Citizenship

Vivian Lee, Director of Education and Strategy for the Open Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN), discusses the organization's mission to support underserved LGBTQIA+ communities with digital literacy and safety. Vivian shares insights on what digital literacy entails, its critical components, and why it matters. She elaborates on digital citizenship and its broader implications, including online safety, parental guidance, and the impacts of AI. Discussing misconceptions and ethical concerns, Vivian emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, collective responsibility, and the potential future of AI and digital sovereignty. ODLAN provides valuable resources, training, and reports to bolster community awareness and skills in navigating digital spaces. 00:00 Introduction to Vivian Lee 00:35 Origins and Mission of ODLAN 02:25 Defining Digital Literacy and Citizenship 04:45 Misconceptions About Digital Citizenship 07:07 Online Safety for Children 11:55 Ethical Concerns and Future of AI 21:37 Resources and Final Thoughts

Christine M'Lot: Your Voice is Power

In this episode, Christine M'Lot, a seasoned teacher, curriculum developer, and newly appointed associate publisher of Portage and Main Press, shares her innovative approach to teaching through hip-hop. Christine delves into her personal connection to hip-hop music and how it has influenced her teaching philosophy. She discusses her unique use of hip-hop and rap lyrics as a tool for teaching poetry and describes the challenges and successes she's encountered in the classroom. Christine also introduces the 'Your Voice is Power' program, which integrates hip-hop, coding, and social justice to engage students in computer science. She details how the program is adapted for Indigenous youth and highlights the positive outcomes, including a national competition with significant prizes. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:33 Christine's Personal Journey with Hip Hop 05:17 Integrating Hip Hop into the Classroom 10:22 Your Voice is Power Program 12:49 Adapting the Program for Indigenous Youth 13:43 National Competition and Success Stories 19:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts