Blog Post #2

Growing up in elementary school, I had "Computer Lab" once a week where my class would take these online courses that taught us how to use Microsoft. Then, in middle school we were required to take a computer course where we continued to learn how to make spreadsheets and format newsletters and things like that. However, there was a sudden shift when we got to high school where all we used was Google Docs since each of us had our own Chromebook. We did not have access to Microsoft unless we used one of the school's desktops, which rarely was necessary considering the resources we had available to us. Google Docs became the standard way in which we completed and turned in assignments all four years of high school. So, I am more used to Google Docs and am a little out of practice when it comes to Microsoft Word. In a lot of ways Google Docs is simpler and easier to use when it comes to basic functions, but Microsoft is definitely better and more effective when it comes to formatting more complex documents. 

The ISTE Standard that stands out to me the most is the Designer. I am a very creative person, so I like how they mentioned that it takes skill to design good, healthy learning environments in order to be a successful educator. The use of technology aids in this and allows for the teachers to facilitate maximum learning from their students. This also hits home for me because I remember that I always did better in a class where I felt like the teacher tried to use technology in a creative way to relate to us students instead of actively staying ignorant to new methods because they claim to be "old fashioned." 

I do agree with the broad tern "digital native." Of course, there are outliers and exceptions to every rule, but I think it is valid to say that out generation grew up with technology and understand it very well, even if it is not every concept. Being a digital native myself, in school I was able to see first hand the differences between my teachers and the students when it came to understanding technology. We constantly would have to help the teachers figure out technology that seemed simple to us but was new to them. It was frustrating for me personally because I felt like all the teachers assumed since we were young that we wanted everything to be online. I actually learn better when I am simply listening to the teacher talking and taking hand-written notes. But, since the teachers were trying to implement technology into their classrooms, most of the class time was spent making power points, doing online activities, and typing on our computers. This of course is going to continue to happen to us as we get older: generational gaps are not a recent development. When I am a teacher, I guarantee there will be new ideas and websites and apps that I will not be familiar with. However, since I am a digital native, I feel like I will be better equipped to learn and use these new things than my pervious teachers who are newer to technology. 

"Computer Lab in Keiwa College" by shinyai is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0