Blog #2

 

• A paragraph about your experience using MS Word as a student (both in K-12 and at FSU). Do you prefer another word processing software (for example: Google Docs)? If so, why do you prefer to use this word processing software?

Around the age of 11, I learned to use Microsoft word for the first time. I remember it being in my 6th grade class "Wolf Success" (Wolves were the mascot of the school I attended). The class focused primarily on teaching students how to use different types of software for education. Since then I have used Microsoft Word every school year and academic term. In the past as well I have had teachers who encourage us to use alternative software's like Google docs because of the ease of group project, but if I had to pick, I would always choose Microsoft word. It's the processor I'm most familiar with, which allows me to spend less time focusing on the formatting and more time on an assignment itself.

• A paragraph about the ISTE Standards for Educators (Links to an external site.). Have you learned anything new about it? Are there any lingering questions, concerns, or ideas? Feel free to share your reflection.

I have learned new information from the ISTE Standards for Educators. I appreciate how it points out that teachers can learn along side students (2.4.b) which ensures that teachers remain empathetic to the students needs. I also like the emphasis the program places on Computational thinking and how to approach problem solving. I think this is important to when it comes to making sure students are taking up responsibility and initiative for their own learning goal.

• A paragraph on whether or not you agree with the label “digital native” for today’s youth. What does it mean to be a digital native? Have you seen differences between how you (digital native) and most of your teachers (digital immigrants) use technology? If so, describe them and what their impact has been on your learning experience. What differences do you anticipate between you and your future students in terms of how you use technology?

I do agree with the label digital native, especially given how saturated many children are with technology in this generation. The satirical term "iPad Kid" highlights this idea, by showing that even at the youngest age children are exposed to technology and are familiar on how to use it. That being said, I do think most digital natives are quicker and tend to be more savvy when compared to digital immigrants. While these immigrants do in many cases help guide a new digital native towards how to initially approach technology, I think they tend to be outshone fairly quickly. In the future, I believe Ill be utilizing technology as much as I canto to promote and facilitate learning, simply because i think it may be the easiest way for me to teach and for students to learn, especially since we will all be digital natives in the classroom.