Blog 2

    My first experience with using Microsoft Word as a student was in middle school. I mostly used Microsoft Word for homework assignments in my English and History classes, which required me to write about the topics discussed in class. I have preferred using the Google Docs system. I transitioned to Google Docs in high school and continued to use it at FSU. I find it easier to save, share, download, and create my work when using Google Docs. I also find Google Docs' software in terms of accessibility and style to be a better fit for me when writing, as Microsoft Word seems a little outdated, in my opinion. 

    In class, we learned that the ISTE Standards for Educators explain the competencies for learning, teaching, and leading in the digital age, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the effective use of technology. The standard that is most meaningful to me is being a learner. To be able to teach, you have to be adaptive to your students and the material you are teaching. I was surprised to find a suggestion on the website to keep in touch with research about your specialty. I feel as if keeping in touch with research might be beneficial to try new teaching methods in your classroom or to just see what is being discovered/researched. I thought this suggestion was clever and an idea that never crossed my mind when choosing the standard for being a learner!   

    To start off, in class the a "digital native" was defined as young people who have grown up in the digital age, in close contact with computers, the internet, and video game consoles, and later smart phones, social media, and tablets. I would somewhat agree with the label of "digital native" for today's youth, and I say this because I personally feel that the biggest part of becoming a "digital native" is your exposure to technology outside the classroom. So, if your upbringing introduced you to technology early on, than I think that child will be more likely to become a "digital native". I also think iPads and iPhones are becoming more popular in the household earlier on in the child's most developmental phases, which also causes the child to become more dependent on technology. I find that most of my teachers have quickly adapted to the growing use of technology. The only difference I see is the teachers not fully understanding certain technological terms like Snapchat, D.M., and/or Reels. These examples are pertaining more towards social media technology language, so that has not impacted my learning experience. I anticipate that the difference between my future students and me will be the same cycle that we see today, a slower understanding of developing technology. However, I do think that since us (digital natives) have grown up with technology, the gap between us and our students might not be as big as we see it today.