Professional Learning for Busy Educators

Can technology help kids develop empathy? Due to the rise of virtual reality experiences, there’s been some buzz lately about the impact technology might have on how we understand and share the feelings of others.

Since video games have an inherent ability to transport us to places and meet people we normally wouldn’t, teachers can use them to create authentic experiences in their classes — where students reflect on their own lives, share personal stories with peers, and hopefully begin to share in the perspectives of others. Games can’t be the sole tool to help build empathy, but emotional and powerful moments in games can drive meaningful discussions in the classroom.

If you know where to look, there has been a noticeable reclamation for Indigenous storytellers. Notably, it's visible through technology and modern forms of online gaming, comic books, animation and transmedia. And while content for “mature audiences” is definitely on the rise, I was still able to find plenty of action for kids! These Indigenous and FNMI (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) creators hail from across Turtle Island, and are aiming to eliminate negative stereotypes of Indigenous peoples as seen throughout pop culture.

As Kickapoo comic book illustrator Arigon Starr said in an interview with VICE, “We were either shamans, mystic boogeyman, or pocahotties.” But new generations of kids won’t grow up with these visions if collections like Starr's Super Indian Comics and my selections below are shown to children from all cultural backgrounds.