Blog Journal 2

 I cannot remember the last time I did not have a writing assignment where I had to use Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. was introduced to me in "Computer Class" when I was in elementary school, that being almost 9 years ago. In Computer class we were taught how to navigate through each application and had to do assignments to show how we used what we learned on the application. This followed me through middle school, high school, and now college. Although my learning about how to navigate through and use Microsoft ended after middle school, the knowledge I gained from these classes show through every assignment I have done in each.  My main choice of application is Microsoft Word. Because of how I have grown up using and learning about how to use it, it is what I am most comfortable using.

ISTE Standards for Educators is something unfamiliar with me until now. I believe as someone, like many others, who has pretty much grown up using technology as a way of life, a way of learning, and a way of communicating, I often skip the fact that technology has served and continues to serve a deeper purpose than what is acknowledged. The Standard for Students that means the most to be is Standard 6, Creative Communicator. This standard in summary states, the use of technology to express themselves and promote who they are and represent. One is able to use what is available to them to promote themselves by communicating to others and using what is at hand to reach specific goals. By understanding this standard it can help educators learn and update their knowledge on what is being used and what is most familiar to their kids. If they can use what their students are using, it makes it easier to connect with them, instead of introducing something new and foreign to them. It creates a better relationship between teacher and student. An example of this is if majority of students are familiar with twitter, assignments can be created replicating a twitter post to get them more involved, as well as helping the student better their platforms that will help them in the long run.

"Digital Native", also a term unfamiliar until now. Digital Native in terms of Mark Prensky, are those born into a time where the technology already existing is being used. Digital Natives are taught by the "Digital Immigrants". I am in the middle of how much I agree and disagree with his statements and teachings. I agree with his idea that we who are born into a time of technology are taught how to use the technology existing, however I cannot say that this is true in the long run. Technology is forever changing, improving, and expanding and I believe that those born into the time of the ever changing technology are better equipped in learning how to use it first. Often times I am the one helping my mom use her smart phone, how to take a picture, how to zoom, how to post a picture online, etc. This example is only with the new and improved technology, but if I need help making a folder on my laptop or navigating documents and saving files on my computer I ask my dad. I really don't believe in this one side, teacher teaches student mindset. I believe that the learning and teaching goes both ways. Saying this by not labeling the teacher "knows all" it allows this connection between students and teachers. In the long run I can create games, activities, assignments with the technology that the students already know how to use, but this involves a little learning on my side as well. I have to keep myself updated and educated on what is new and how to use it.