Blog Journal 1: January 22, 2019

          I think teachers and students are influenced to use technology in the classroom by the growing presence of technology in our daily lives. As new technologies, like smartphones and VR, are being developed and making their ways into the homes of students and teachers, it makes sense to incorporate them into the classroom. Additionally, the advantages of using technology in school like its efficiency prompt teachers and students to use it. For example, throughout my education I have seen teachers shift from using chalkboards to projectors and PowerPoints.

          I felt that the ISTE standards are good goals for students to strive for during their education. I think the standard of Digital Citizen is especially important today. Students need to be aware that whatever they post on the Internet can be permanent, and future employers or schools that they apply to will view their social media accounts. For me, I think I am lacking in the Computational Thinker standard.    I have made data into graphs and charts before, but I do not think I have ever used automation. I do not know how to code either, but it is definitely a skill I want to learn someday.

          I agree with the definition of digital native to describe the younger generation generally, but I do not think it accurately describes every single young person today. Not everyone may have had access to technology in their home or school environments. Also, some young people may just not have an interest in technology. Digital natives are those who grew up with computers. I have noticed that sometimes the students in my classes know more about technology than the teachers, and the students help them with tasks like setting up the projector. I have also noticed that students seem to be more adept at using social media while teachers are better with programs like PowerPoint or Excel, and in these situations, we teach each other. In the future, I think my students may generally know more than me about technology and the newest social media, so I will have to stay up to date on my knowledge.