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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Emily,
ReplyDeleteI also feel that technology has the ability to engage students more than just pen and paper because it is more entertaining due to the variety of ways in which it can be used for educational purposes. It meets the needs of almost any type of learner whether they are visual, audio, or hands on learners. I also agree that the term "digital native" is fitting for today's youth because we use technology whether it be our phones, laptops, televisions, etc. on a daily basis to live more comfortable and convenient lives.
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ReplyDeleteHello Emily, it seems I made a comment with my other google account by mistake. However, I wanted to tell you that I also found my mother's interaction with technology interesting as I see her as a digital immigrant and I notice how she understood technology a little bit slower than digital natives.
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