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What's in your bag?
What's in your bag?
I chose to do this task using the apps on my phone, rather than the items I carry in a bag- as I oftentimes only have my phone and wallet on me while working or running errands. My "digital bag" contains apps that I use at work and at home, for my health, everyday living, and entertainment needs, as well as apps for my girls.
What is my daily need for the items in my "digital bag"?
Most of the apps on my phone, especially the ones for productivity, health, and communication, are ones I need and use on a daily basis.
I use productivity apps frequently for work (such as Google Docs, Slides, Drive, & Classroom) to plan my teaching and keep my students (and their parents) informed and current regarding classroom assignments and materials. This allows me to update my plans and teaching activities easily (and sometimes on the fly)- allowing me to be productive no matter where I am.
Having epilepsy, I also use many health apps regularly to stay on top of my illness and prevent seizures (such as My Fitness Pal, Mate, Alert, One Touch, & Water Llama). These apps and tools allow me to keep track of my seizures, diet, blood sugar, sleep, and activities.
Communication apps are needed regularly for me to track my daughter's schooling (via ClassDojo) and extra-curricular activities (via the Ramp app for her soccer team notifications) as well as for me to communicate with my friends and family, (via Mail & Messages), and co-workers and professors (via Mail, Teams & Canvas Student).
How does the narrative of the private contents of your bag compare with the narrative produced by the image you outwardly project?
Being a person with an invisible disability (epilepsy), the private contents of my "digital bag" compare in HUGE part to the narrative produced by my outward image. I make every conscious effort to ensure no one knows I have an illness, and if they do, to ensure no one treats me differently because of it. I hate receiving sympathy or special treatment, so unless I absolutely have to share my condition with someone, I always opt not to! Many people are quite surprised to find out I have epilepsy.
From peeking through my "digital bag", you can quickly tell I’m a mom. My entertainment apps (Netflix, Disney, Epic Kids A-Z, Go Noodle, etc.) offer a break for me from a busy child; and my essential living apps (TD & Walmart) allow me conveniently to meet life's demands on the go.
My techie apps (Boom Cards! Kahoot, FlipGrid, Quizizz, Thinglink) are giveaways to me being a teacher- as they all involve me in creating/ curating content for my students (whereas phones are mainly used to consume content).
My food apps (Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, Subway, etc) allow me to maintain the image of a devoted housewife who is always cooking for her family... when in reality I am an awful cook and order in way more than I should!
How might these items be considered "texts" and what do they say about you, the places you inhabit, the cultures with which you engage, and/or the activities you take up?
Each "app" or item can be considered "texts" in the sense that they tell a story about who I am as a person and what I enjoy.
My "digital bag" offers a glimpse into some of my hobbies. For example I LOVE scrapbooking and the apps Pinterest, Michaels, and Photolab speak to that! I also LOVE to create videos (iMovie) and photo collages (PicCollage & Baby Story) using various media and images from special events or outings.
Another passion of mine that is revealed from this, is hockey! I am an avid Edmonton Oilers fan- as evidenced from my wallpaper on my phone- and I use the Sportsnet app to check news and stats about the team often.
My secret escape is through my Spotify app. I enjoy escaping the craziness/ stress of my day by getting lost in one of my favourite songs. Music not only relaxes me, it also brings back fond memories. as I find myself getting lost in songs, not only for the peace of mind, but also for the strong emotions they evoke.
What do the items in your bag say about the literacies you have?
Foundational Literacies: Almost all the apps found on my phone have to do with reading, writing or meaning making.
Digital Literacy: Most of the apps shown are proof that I am digitally literate. I am able to navigate digital devices and the common tools and programs that go along with them.
Media Literacy: I am very media literate (and media conscious) and have become quite skilled at choosing the most effective way (or most effective apps) to present or communicate information (using a variety of media formats).
Visual Literacy: Using apps on my phone such as iMovie, PicCollage, & Canva (not pictured) allow me to better meet my students' needs and ensure comprehensive student understanding.
Game Literacy: As evidenced from the many gamification apps found on my phone, I gamify many aspects of learning for my students to increase their engagement.
Health Literacy: This literacy has become so important in my life since being diagnosed with epilepsy 10 years ago. I have a rare type (catamenial) and so knowledge is power for me as many neurologists are left at a loss for my condition. I have learned so much by tracking my diet, seizures, menstrual cycles, etc.
News Literacy: It is in my opinion the ABSENCE of news or social media apps that allow me to continue to stretch this literacy; as I will go to always go to more than one source for news on information or events.
Image Credits
"Top 10 Literacies in Education" https://www.skyward.com/discover/blog/skyward-blogs/skyward-executive-blog/march-2017/the-top-10-literacies-in-education-today
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