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.
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I agree with the advancements that "digital immigrants" have made in using technology. I believe today that most educators find incorporating technology in the classroom to be very helpful and find different ways to add it into their curriculum. I also have noticed that some of my teachers are more skilled than I am at some aspects of technology. Similarly to you, I would like to work on my creative use of technology throughout this course. I can't wait to see how you use this blog to work on the designer aspect of technology!
ReplyDeleteI agree I believe the terms are not used properly. I feel the same that technology can yet be good for students. But at a small age such as a toddler, I do not think that is the best option. I like how you also input the idea that it depends on their enviroment becuase each student will have different accessibility.
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