Blog Post #2

Of all the available Microsoft programs, I have used Microsoft Word the most. This program is what I use to write essays, take notes, and draft ideas. Teachers I have had have used it to develop tests and quizzes, display outlines, and create newsletters to go home to parents. I consider it the most useful Microsoft application. It is relatively simple to figure out how to function the settings.

As for copyrighted materials, I have always been taught to cite sources. I first encountered this problem in middle school when I had to complete a History Fair project. If we used ideas and pictures from our research, we had to create a citation for the work we referenced. As a potential future teacher, I would handle copyrighted materials with my students much like how it was handled with me as a student. If students took ideas from another work and wanted to use it to advance their own work, I would require a citation. When developing my own instructional materials, if I used another source to create my own, I would practice what I was teaching my students and cite my sources as well. I would teach my students the importance of crediting others for their work.

POTENTIAL TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

1. Academic Honesty - To curb dishonesty in the classroom, I would teach my students about intellectual property. I would explain that we can learn from others and this is important, but we must credit them if we want to use their work. I would emphasize doing your own work so that you get the full benefit of the learning process.
2. Privacy - In a world where there are online predators, knowledge of privacy is critical. Personally, I always read the privacy policy before I download an app or sign up for a website so I know how my information is stored and used. In my classroom, I could go through an example of a "good" and "bad" privacy policy to analyze whether my students understand the difference. I would also teach online safety.
3. Cyber bullying - This is an issue close to home for me. A friend of mine suffered from cyber bullying but never told anyone in the moment. These kind of bullying is especially hurtful because it is much easier to say hateful things when you can't see the other person's face. In my classroom, I would do everything in my power to foster positive character traits so that cyber bullying is never an issue. Severe consequences would occur if I found out a student was cyber bullying another student.




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Blog Post #1

Technology has the capacity to enhance the classroom. Students can interact with each other and with the instructor in dynamic ways. Smart boards and clickers give teachers the ability to assess student understanding of the material instantly. It is because of these advantages that teachers are influenced to utilize technology in the classroom. In my personal experience, the use of technology engages the students more than simply pen and paper. 

The ISTE Standards for students lists goals students should reach with technology in order to be successful. Not all of these goals have to be met to be proficient with technology, but they do help assess one's capabilities with its use. Of the ISTE standards for students, one that resonates with me if the second standard on being a "Digital Citizen." I have always been cautious with technology because it can be a problem if it is not used responsibly. I always read the privacy policy and judge if the platform is safe based on how information is shared and stored. Most people ignore these, but I find them crucial. Of the ISTE standards that I am not comfortable with, that would have to be number five, being a "Computational Thinker." I have never been too interested in learning to code or write algorithms, but I do understand the importance of this. It can be a helpful skill to have! However, I have never been presented with an opportunity to be acquainted with this skill set. 

I think that the label "Digital Native" is fitting for today's youth. We grew up in a generation that doesn't know a time when advanced technology wasn't available. I have always had access to a computer since I began elementary school. To be a digital native means to not know a time when technology wasn't accessible. As for "Digital Immigrants," -- like my parents who grew up without the advanced technology of this generation but became acquainted with it in their later years -- I do see a difference in the way they use technology. My mom and step dad are slower to adjust to software updates because it is harder for them to navigate technological changes. They are also slower to invest in new smartphones or computers because by the time they get comfortable with their current device, so many changes have occurred with the new devices. There is a fear of adjustment. Teachers I have had also possess this level of discomfort. They are slower to learn and adapt than their digital native students. In terms of the next generation of students, I expect the gap to close in the level of discomfort. When the digital natives become educators, both the students and the teachers will not have known a time without advanced technology.

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Blog Post #0

Introduction

About Me

Hello! My name is Emily and I am a sophomore at Florida State. I am taking this technology class to fulfill a requirement for my Education minor. I love FSU and am involved in many extracurriculars here. My freshman year I joined both the Circus and Alpha Gamma Delta. This year, I gained some leadership positions within these communities and I am excited for where these will take me.

Prior Experience Using Technology in an Educational Setting

Growing up, SMART boards were introduced into my elementary school when I was in third grade. Before this, we had used slide projectors in the classroom. In middle school, electronic response systems were used in collaboration with the SMART boards. These two technologies were also used in my high school, where there was a traveling cart of laptops for each student to use if the teacher requested them for the day.

What I hope to learn in the class

I hope to get a better understanding of how technology is used in the classroom through this class. Last semester, I took an introductory education course and we touched on the importance of technology but did not go in depth into its importance. Through this class, I hope learn more about the pros and cons of technology in the classroom. I would also like to gain a better understanding of how to use Microsoft Excel.

 
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