The term “smartphone zombie” describes someone who is so focused on their phone that they stop paying attention to what’s going on around them. It’s a funny term, but also a bit serious, because it shows how technology can affect the way we move through the world. Instead of being present or noticing others, we sometimes get completely pulled into our screens, like zombies. In the comic strip, this idea is shown through a simple but relatable scene. A person is walking while staring at their phone and ends up walking straight into a fire hydrant. Even after the bump, they’re still stuck on their screen. Meanwhile, the person is more socially aware of their surroundings and is aware of what happens when you become fixated on your phone, you become a zombie. This comic made me think about how easy it is to get caught up in our phones. We scroll without realizing how much time we’ve lost or how we might be missing out on real-life moments. The message isn’t to stop using phones completely, but to be more aware of when it’s time to unplug and look up.

One thing that stood out to me about this source was the dangers of distracted walking/driving by using your phone. In 2021, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed and 60,000 injured in the United States as a result of distracted walking, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Slon, 2023). https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2023/10/the-rise-of-the-smart-phone-zombies/

Workshop 2- Historical Storytelling 

Creating this video about my Nonno’s life story was a meaningful and emotional experience. Sharing how he met my Nonna Maria allowed me to connect more deeply with my family’s history and appreciate the power of love, even during the most difficult times. During World War II, my Nonno served as a soldier and participated in a letter-writing program that connected him with my Nonna, Maria, a woman from Italy. Through their letters, they built a bond that grew stronger despite the distance and uncertainty of war. It’s incredible to think that a simple exchange of words on paper led to a lifetime of love and family.

Growing up, I never heard too many stories from my Nonno. He only speaks Italian and I only know a few simple phrases and words in Italian. This has always made it very difficult to communicate. This is one of the stories that I will always remember as it is one of the few stories I have gotten the chance to hear. This project gave me a new appreciation for the sacrifices and experiences of past generations. I feel proud to carry their story forward and hope that by sharing it, others can also reflect on the importance of connection, resilience, and love.

To view my video, follow the link: https://express.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:ec2e7ea3-220b-5e8e-8227-384003a6eea2?invite=true&accept=true&promoid=Z2G1FQKR&mv=other 

Workshop 3- Visual Diary

Workshop 4- Green Screen Advertisement 

Workshop 5- Coded Game

Creating my own version of Flappy Bird was my first real experience with coding a video game, and it really brought Papert’s constructionism to life for me. Instead of just learning about how games work, I got to build one myself. The hands-on nature of the project helped me understand coding concepts in a very engaging way.

What made the experience even better were the detailed instructions that guided me through the process. They made the learning feel approachable and fun, not overwhelming. That trial-and-error process helped me learn by doing, which is exactly what Papert emphasized in his theory.

What is also important is that the game can be shared and discussed with others, which adds a social layer to the learning. That kind of collaboration and reflection is a big part of constructionist learning. Overall, the activity gives learners the chance to take charge of their own learning journey, build something real, and learn in a way that sticks.

You can find my Coded Game here: https://studio.code.org/c/2631842596 

Workshop 6- Mind Map

My mind map supports deeper learning by helping me organize my passions and goals in a way that is both visual and meaningful. Each project is something I genuinely care about, and mapping them out like this allows me to reflect on what I want to achieve and how I can achieve it. It encourages me to think more deeply about why each goal matters and how I will grow from pursuing it.

For example, when I plan themed events for my book club or recruit athletes for Challenger Baseball, I’m setting intentional, creative targets. These experiences help me build skills like communication, leadership, and empathy. My focus on mindfulness and fitness is not just about routines, it is about prioritizing my well-being so I can be present in everything else I do. Even baking becomes a space for independent exploration and practice.

Through this mind map, I can connect different areas of my life. It helps me stay motivated, accountable, and creates a space for me to have deeper learning and understanding of my interests.

Workshop 7- QR Story

Workshop 8- Free Choice