1 - Digital Natives

Computers are an important part of the educational experience because they assist in so many areas. Almost every teacher has a computer to aid in administrative and teaching tasks. Computers make recording attendance, grades, and progress simpler and more accurate. The technology also increases student interaction and reinforces what is being taught. The text includes some concerns such as the financial aspect associated with technology, allotting time for technology use, and adapting the use of tech based on the school's culture. 

I agree that every school will have a different plan for how technology will be used. Not every school can afford computers in all classrooms and their focus may not be on the inclusion of technology. Teachers also need to take the time to research and practice new and different resources before implementing them into their lesson plans. 

ISTE standards for students create a overall picture of effective technology use. The standard that stands out to me is Digital Citizenship. Many online applications create an environment for students to interact with other people. Ethical decisions and positive attitudes should be the focal point of technology use. It is easy for many people to use the distant communication as a defense to "troll" or attack the views of others. Students should also actively avoid plagiarism and use technology to strengthen their ideas rather than simply taking information.

An ISTE standard that may fall outside my current abilities is Technology Operations and Skill Sets. This standard implies the progression and use of new technology and the understanding of what applications to use for your goal or lesson. I, like many others, am sometimes hesitant to try to technology and I generally stick to what processes I am comfortable with. However, there may be better and more efficient ways for me to accomplish tasks if I branch out and increase my understanding of new systems and hardware. 

Today's youth can be accurately labeled as 'digital natives". Students are comfortable with a technology-led environment and are able apply technology to most daily tasks. It is rare to see a student without some type of technology in their hands (ie cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc). This may cause a problem for teachers that are not as technologically inclined as the students they are trying to connect with. 

I have seen many teachers in the past struggle with including technology in their classrooms. It is sometimes painful to watch a teacher try to load a video on YouTube or utilize the newest versions of Microsoft Office. Students will sit there frustrated as they try to help and guide the instructor to the goal. Teachers must continue to develop their use of technology so to not fall behind the world that their students know. 

In the future, I anticipate having to find a balance with the use of technology in the classroom. As a history teacher, there will be times when I need the students' focus rather than directing them to computers. Smart phones already cause a distraction in classrooms and other forms of technology will have to be used to ensure that students are staying on topic. I use the same technology in my personal life and I will continue to ask students about new applications so that I stay on par and relate to their abilities. I predict learning just as much about current technology from my future students as they learn from me.