Blog #1

        Computers are important in education. They connect us to the world around us in a way that was never assessable before the technology. They allow teachers to give educational presentations through powerpoint. The computers allow the storage of important information like grades and student history.
        There are however concerns about the use of computers in the educational setting. The book discusses the potential dangers of the internet and the importances of a certain level of sheltering. Also, these technologies can become very distracting if the teacher does not have guidelines, and specific rules in place for the use in the classroom. I agree with the concerns that the book discusses. I think teachers have the ability to rise above these challenges, and make use of the technology in a way that greatly benefits the students.
        The ISTE standard I am most interested in is the one about creativity and innovation. I have sometimes seen technology as uncreative and robotic. I have seen it as something that is hard to shape and difficult to make beautiful. I can now see that creativity is alive in the technology of this society. Students are given large amounts of creative freedom when designing a presentation, or creating their own website.
        I do agree that the majority of my generation can be called “digital natives”. A digital native is someone who has grown up with technology around and accessible to them. I cannot remember a time when my family did not have a computer in our home. Although, there are some people my age who would not be labeled “digital native”. Lower Socioeconomic status and certain instances of geographic isolation may have prevented them from accessing this technology. I have not seen a difference in the way that my teachers and I use technology. I have, on the other hand, seen differences when I look at my parents. We do use technology slightly differently. My mother often comes to me with a computer issue that I know how to fix. In this way, I see that digital natives have an advance over “digital immigrants”.
        I anticipate my students being very capable with technology. As time progresses I may be asking the students more questions than they ask me about the technology. Because of this teachers need to work extra hard to stay on top of the advancements in society. It is important that teachers assist in directing the students, in their use of these materials. We must help make these technologies as beneficial as they can be, to the child's life, and learning.