What:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was invited to collaborate with Kobe English Academy as a consultant to develop a digital literacy program. The goal has been to educate students—and indirectly their parents—about the benefits, risks, and realities of new and emerging technologies, while enabling creativity and self-expression.

Why:

As technologies like AI, NFTs, smart tech, and social media continue to gain prominence in the public eye, so too do the challenges they pose. Misinformation, privacy, scams, and ethics are just a few of very real issues. Introducing students to these concepts early empowers them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

How:

I worked with the school to design a comprehensive program combines creative engagement with practical skills:

Engaging with Technology Creatively:

• • Explore animation through pixel art and stop-motion projects.

  • Create 3D photospheres to introduce spatial relationships in VR.

  • Collaborations with Kobe FabLab for workshops introducing makerspace concepts like 3D printing and laser cutting.
    
    

Practical Lessons in Digital Literacy:

• • Lessons incorporate real-time developments in AI text and image models to teach how technologies can both assist and mislead.

  • Workshops highlighted the ethical use of technology and its potential misuse, fostering critical thinking about digital media.

Collaborative Development:

• • Work closely with teachers to plan lessons that are engaging, educational, and easy for other instructors to implement.

  • Regularly modify and refine lesson plans based on teacher feedback and student outcomes.

  • Introduce coding and robotics into the curriculum, integrating with existing classes.

  • Develop accessible materials, including worksheets, templates, and guides to support both students and teachers.

  • Advise on equipment and resources needed to launch and sustain the program.

  • Research and test new software and tools, ensuring the curriculum remains current with emerging technologies.

Highlights:

Collaborated with Kobe FabLab to engage students and parents in hands-on workshops, demystifying tools like 3D printers and laser cutters.

This kind of program bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and real practical application. Students get to see technology as both a tool for creative self-expression and a space requiring critical awareness. Simultaneously, this provides the opportunity for parents to better understand the digital world their children are growing up in through a shared learning experience.