Blog Post One

       The implementation of advanced technology in the classroom has increasingly become more popular over the years. For one, it’s convenient, being that most students have access to electronic devices and the internet. Student’s availability to the Internet allows them to access millions of websites and databases, specifically crafted for their benefit. But aside from electrical technology, teachers use technology to help students learn and comprehend material. Students utilize technology in order to remember information and pass their classes. Teachers often use technologies like white boards, textbooks, or bulletin boards to help their students retain information. Students also take advantage of technologies like dictionaries, workbooks, or even their desks to enhance their learning and help them complete assignments. Overall, student's drive for success and initiative for learning something new prompts them to use technology. Teachers use technology to help make learning easier, interactive, and convenient for their students. After all, teachers want their students to pass!
The ISTE standards for educators are as follows: learner, leader, citizen, collaborator, designer, facilitator, and analyst. One standard that's meaningful to me is learner. I'm always trying to learn something new, even if I think I already know everything. I've had teachers in the past who wanted nothing to do with new information (or new technology for that matter)! But learning new information allows us to constantly expand our ideas and thoughts. For teachers, learning new things can improve our lessons, which could then benefit our students and improve their grades. As a teacher, I will strive to learn about the latest technology that could potentially help my students in the long run. One standard that I feel might be outside my current skill set is citizen. I use technology and have a grasp on how to interact digitally, but I don't spend an excessive amount of time participating in the online world. I don't necessarily contribute to the internet's databases or create new, engaging websites. I'm more of a person who prefers face-to-face interactions and hands-on learning. While participating in the digital world is becoming more common, I wouldn't say it's something I do all the time. I think this standard is slightly foreign to me and I plan on trying my best to improve in this area. 
I do agree with the term “digital native” for today’s youth. Nowadays, I constantly see children using the latest forms of technology: smartphones, tablets, laptops. These kids are practically learning to type their names and search the internet before than can even walk! As a waitress, I’d constantly see children watching YouTube videos or playing games on electronic devices rather than coloring on the kid’s menu. Digital natives are people who become fluent with the usage and functions of the latest technologies, mainly at a young age. However, not all digital natives are young. I consider myself a digital native. I know the basic functions of the most popular electronic devices. For me, I always felt I was better with basic technology than most of my teachers. Many of my teachers needed student’s assistance with performing basic tasks (creating a new folder, connecting to the internet, recalibrating the SmartBoard). Because none of my teachers were exceptional with technology, I was forced to learn it myself. I feel that maybe if my teachers were more experienced with today’s electronics, I may have an even better understanding of their functions. I anticipate that my future students and I will utilize technology. I think my clear understanding of technology will rub off on my students, hopefully making them more technologically savvy. I also think my students (being that they’re being born into the generation of “digital natives”) might be able to teach me about technology as well.