Blog #2

I feel that teachers and students are influenced to use technology in the classroom because they want the classroom to be adaptable to time periods.  Looking at schools in the 1800s, we don't write on chalk boards anymore, and we don't write everything by hand.  However, in this time period, there was not access to tools like iPads, smart boards, laptops, or the internet.  However, now that our society does have access to these tools, it is important to bring them into the classroom for an effective and innovative learning experience, which also prepares students for future technology use they will encounter in their jobs.

Reflecting on the ISTE standards for students, I love how it stresses the importance of not only using technology for a personal benefit, but also to make an impact globally.  It stresses the importance of technology in a world whose technology is constantly evolving.  It is important for students to learn at an early stage in life the importance of technology, and how to apply this and adapt throughout their lives in order to make an impact.  One standard for educators that is meaningful to me is #2) Leader.  I love working with kids, and I think it is so important to help them not only realize their potential, but also take strides to reach those goals. I really like how the site says that this standard is to "support student empowerment".  Sometimes students just need the extra push to reach their goals, and it is important as an educator to help them realize what they are capable of! A standard that is outside my skillset at the moment is #5) Designer.  Currently, I don't know much about how to gear lesson plans toward different types of learners.  However, this is something that I hope to improve upon in order to become an effective instructor!

In some respects, I do agree with the term "digital native", but not applied to entire generations of people.  One example of this is when small children know how to play games on a parent's smartphone, or when they know how to operate an iPad at age 2 (I've seen my cousin do this, and it's crazy!!).  However, some children don't have access to this technology, so it is unfair to label them into a group in which they do not have the necessary tools available to embody this label.  I see a difference in how I use technology and how "digital immigrants" use technology.  However, most of the time, they are more skilled than I am! My educators have all done an amazing job with incorporating technology into the classroom, and I would argue that just because technology is a learned skill, doesn't mean that you can't excel at it if you are not born into a generation surrounded by emerging technologies.  I feel that my future students, depending on their access to technology, could potentially know more than I do.  But I really feel that it depends on their environment, upbringing, and accessibility.

Blogs I commented on:

• Courtney  and  Katelyn

Blog #1

    Hi everyone!  My name is Kinsley, and I'm a Tallahassee local, born and raised!  I am currently entering junior year here at Florida State, and my major is Editing, Writing, and Media.  After I graduate, I hope to either become a high school English teacher or work for Tallahassee Women's Magazine.  Some interesting facts about me are that I love music, I play three instruments, and I love to sing!
    In the past, I have used technology a great deal for my classes, not just writing papers and submitting assignments on Canvas, but also using a blog to track my progress for another class.  I have my own personal blog as well, which I began using in high school.  I have taken one other technology-centered class at Florida State, Computer Fluency, so I have become very familiar with Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel, and Word.
    Through this class, I hope to gain knowledge on how to apply technology to a classroom.  If I choose to pursue a career in teaching English following graduation, it would be extremely helpful to have this knowledge when planning lessons and trying to create an effective learning environment for students.  Also, I want to learn more about how technology can enhance my own education currently, and why it is so important to my success in college and beyond.