1- Teaching with Technology

Computers are an important part of the educational experience because as teachers, it’s our job to give students the tools they need to be successful in their future. Our world is constantly evolving and society is starting to revolve around technology. Administrative, presentation, lesson preparation, communications, and teaching are the five main types of technology tools for teachers to use. If the teacher knows how to use these tools properly, it can not only be more efficient for them but beneficial for the students as well. Some concerns about technology in schools are the finances required, the time it takes to integrate the technology, culture bias, and adapting to the shift in instructional paradigm. Personally, I agree that technology is a necessary part in education because of how the world is conforming to technology. Our students are going to have to use some sort of technology in their future careers and we have to make sure that they are equipped with the necessary background knowledge to succeed.

There are five ISTE standards in place for teachers. The standard that really hit home with me was the first one: “Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.” I’m excited to take on the challenge of engaging students to come up with creative ways to solve problems using technology. The standard that I will find most challenging is number five: “Engage in professional growth and leadership.” A component of meeting this standard is to keep up with current research about new technologies. I think this is the hardest standard for teachers because it requires constant growth since there are emerging technologies almost every day.

Digital native is a name used to describe people who have grown up using technology. I agree that it is appropriate to label today’s youth as digital natives. I have first-hand experience because I myself grew up with technology and would consider myself a digital native. In school, I have noticed that many of my teachers, who would be considered digital immigrants, use technology in different ways than I would. My teachers relied on their email accounts and digital gradebooks, but wouldn’t know the first thing about “the twitter.” As a digital native I have always been accustomed to having knowledge at my fingertips, so when a teacher would reply to an email the day after I asked them a question, it would be frustrating to me. Digital natives are used to getting answers in a matter of seconds and communicating with friends instantly through social media. I know that technology is only going to further in our world, and it’s hard to imagine what kind of differences to anticipate between me and my future students. Who knows what new technologies will be invented throughout my lifetime. I just hope that I will be able to keep up, and better relate to my students and the digital tools that they will be using.