Blog 1
Teachers and students use technology regularly these days for educational purposes. I feel that our generation influences this use of technology because it is almost expected of us to utilize it as a tool in creative ways. Technology allows for material to be more accessible which then makes the process of learning easier for students. For example, we no longer need to go to libraries to find out information. We have google, which allows us to look up almost anything we need to know. Although some sources are not quite as reliable, it still gives us a more convenient way of receiving information. Technology allows teachers and students to be more creative while learning while providing different modes of education to any type of learner. For example, power point slides can be used for visual learners, while videos or audio files might work best for those who learn best through hearing information. These positive aspects might influence whether technology is used within the classroom.

The ISTE standards are meant to create innovative learning environments in our digital age. It includes standards for students, teachers, educational leaders, technology coaches, and computer science educators. One standard that I find important is for an educator to also be a designer for his/her students. This allows the teacher to creatively form lesson plans that fit the specific needs of their students. I feel that this is important because some students have differing needs that need to be met for them to thrive within a classroom and the educators standards can assist them with helping students like that. One standard that I feel is outside my current skill set would be those for computer science educators, because I lack the advanced knowledge it takes to perform the tasks regarding technology.

Digital natives are individuals whom are born or brought up in the generation of technological advancements and therefore are familiar with technology. I believe that this term does fit youth today because we are a generation that has grown up using cell phones, computers, televisions, and so many other forms of technology and it plays a vital role in our every day lives. I feel that our parent's generation is rather familiar with certain types of technology such as computers because they need to use them for work, however our grandparents would more so be considered "digital immigrants" because they lack almost any ability to use technology. Growing up, we had projectors and televisions in our classrooms. I feel that although my teachers would be considered "digital immigrants" they knew how to use technology needed for educational purposes rather well. One important thing to mention is that, although we are a generation that has grown up using technology, I still feel that it is unfair to expect us to know how to use every form of it. A majority of students my age are familiar with only iphones, lap tops, speakers and televisions. However, this does not mean that we are familiar or comfortable using every form of software on each system.

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