Blog #1

Technology has advanced so much that it has become a necessity in most people’s lives. It has especially played an important role in education. Computers are an important part of the educational experience for both teachers and students. For teachers, technology serves as a tool for presentations and communication. Technology makes it easier for teachers to make documents, like tests, study guides, and lesson plans. Teachers also have easier access to communicate with parents and co-workers through email and other forms of technological networking. For students, technology, as the textbook words it, “prepares students for contemporary life.” Most jobs require employees to be technologically literate, so by providing this access to technology in the classrooms, students are able to gain this experience. However, there are some concerns related to computers in the classroom, for instance, they can cause distractions for the students and they can also tempt teachers to teach less because of the access the students have to the Internet. I agree that technology in the classroom is extremely helpful in creating an effective learning environment, however, I also understand that there is a right and a wrong way of using educational technology and teachers must find the best balance appropriate for their class.

 The ISTE standard that I found most interesting was Communication and Collaboration. I think this one makes a good point when it comes to global awareness, because with just a touch of a button, we have information about what is happening across the world. Technology can keep students updated on current events of any place they can imagine. Not only can students learn about other cultures, but they can also communicate with other students from those cultures. Being able to communicate with a primary witness, students can potentially learn so much in such a short time. Reading this gave me the idea that if I actually do become a teacher I would like to see if I could possible assign my students a pen-pal from a different country. My students can then share with the rest of the class what they learned about that culture, so they can spread that knowledge with the other kids who were paired up with a different culture. I know this sounds easier said than done, but it just shows only one of the many different educational projects technology can generate. I am not as skilled in Technology Operations and Concepts, because I am not familiar with all of the systems and applications used in the classroom, however I hope taking this class will change that and prepare me for what’s to come.

I do not think the label “digital native” should be generalized to a generation, or today’s youth, because, as we discussed in class, socioeconomic standards can affect being a digital native or immigrant. A digital native is someone who grew up using technology, and because of their different financial statuses, not all youth grew up exposed to technology. I am a digital native, but that does not mean that I am more advanced in technology than a digital immigrant. I’ve noticed that some of my teachers understand softwares better than I do, and I grew up using technology. Because of this I realize that just because people grew up with technology it doesn't necessarily mean they learn better from it than people who did not grow up with it. Technology, however, has played a central role in my education. I’ve noticed that I am a very visual learner, so I benefit from power point presentations, pictures, and videos, all of which is possible through the use of technology. I think how I use technology will not be as different than my future students, but I think the types of applications we use then will of course be different, because technology is constantly advancing. As a teacher, I will just need to learn how to adapt to the ever-growing technology that my students and I will use in the classroom.

Twitter Name

@melanieFSU

Blog #0

I use technology every day between my laptop, iPad, and iPhone. My laptop is a Mac, so I am more used to navigating the Apple computers. In high school, I took Graphic Design and 3D Animation, so I am familiar with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Animation softwares. I also had to do many PowerPoint presentations in high school, but I used the Key Note app on my iPad instead of PowerPoint, so I'm not as familiar with that software. I've used Microsoft Word since elementary school, so I think I should be able to navigate that one well.

My major is Elementary Education, so I hope this class can help me discover new techniques in teaching through the use of technology. Technology is constantly advancing, so I expect that this class will help me stay caught up with the latest advances and updates. I want to be able to use technology in the classroom for presentations, when I become a teacher. Hopefully, this class will help me find and understand the softwares that work best for me and the material that I will have to teach.
I have learned that I am a very visual learner. I'll most likely remember things that I see, rather than things I hear or read. That is why I prefer to analyze charts and diagrams than read a summary of the facts. I also remember things more clearly after I've experienced them, rather than after thinking it through. I prefer thinking things out alone first, and then speaking out about my ideas to other people after I have had time to brainstorm by myself. I do not usually enjoy group work, because I don't like to rely on other people to get something done for me. I usually like to take up the bigger workload because I like having as much control over my assignment as I can. I also don't like group work that much because if I make a mistake on the assignment I feel bad ruining it for the rest of the group. However, I understand group work is good for understanding other perspectives and for learning how to work best with others. For the most part, I need to understand the details before understanding the overall concept or picture. I prefer learning concepts over facts, because it is easier for me to remember things that I can easily relate to my daily life.