Please view the attached picture to see what is in my work bag that I use five days a week.
The items in my bag include:
- Laptop and charger
- Keys
- Water bottle
- Coffee cup
- Lunch bag
- Wallet (ID, bank cards, gift cards, ski lift pass)
- Cellphone
- Work lanyard (ID card and scan card, whistle)
As an elementary school teacher, the items in my bag reflect both my professional and personal needs. My laptop and charger are important for lesson planning, accessing educational resources, and maintaining communication with colleagues and parents. My keys, water bottle, coffee cup, and lunch bag highlight the practical needs of a busy school day, ensuring I stay hydrated, make healthy eating choices, and energized for my day.
These items can be considered “texts” as they represent my identity as an educator and community member. My work lanyard, with its ID card and whistle, directly ties to my role as a classroom teacher and sports coach, which shows my passion for maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment. My wallet (ID, ski lift card, etc) and cellphone show my personal interests and roles beyond the classroom, including financial management and recreational interests, such as skiing.
The “text technologies” in my bag, specifically my laptop and cellphone, demonstrate my engagement with digital literacy, crucial for both teaching and administrative tasks. For example, I use “Remind”, which is an application to send quick updates, announcements, and reminders to parents, ensuring parents stay informed and engaged in their child’s education. I also create all my units through the “OneDrive” application. I share these folders with my colleague at my school who teaches the same grade level so that we can collaborate and exchange resources throughout the year. These devices show how I integrate modern communication tools into my daily routine, aligning with traditional educational practices.
When looking at the items in my bag, one can notice a range of literacies. The items included can portray me as a prepared/organized teacher who incorporates technology into their personal and professional life. This image connects to who I try to be when working – I strive to be a leader at my community school by being dedicated, reliable and adaptable.
Fifteen or twenty-five years ago, my bag might have included more traditional teaching methods, such as printed resources or unit plans, highlighting a change towards digitalization in education. As well, looking at my wallet, I do not have any cash or coins. This can suggest that this time period’s currency used more contactless payment options. An archaeologist examining my bag in the future might recognize this era as a time where technology played a crucial role in education and was utilized to complete personal and professional communication and daily tasks.
