Blog Journal #2

My experience using MS Word as a student started in elementary school when I had to write school projects or science fair reports. I continued to use MS Word in middle school for essays and research papers. However, in high school, my school used Chromebooks so it was mandatory to use Google Docs. My preference between MS Word and Google Docs depends if I am working independently or collaboratively in a group. If I am working individually, I would prefer to use MS Word. The UI just seems easier and more straightforward to me. If I am working in a group, I would prefer to use Google Docs as it allows for easy collaboration from anywhere.

The ISTE Standards for Educators provided me with a comprehensive framework that sets expectations for educators in the digital age. As I read more about the standards, I discovered new dimensions of the role of an educator. The concept of being a "citizen" within the digital space was particularly intriguing and marked a new topic for me. Learning about responsible and ethical technology use not only for personal growth but also for fostering a positive online environment for students was eye-opening. Additionally, the standard of being a "designer" resonated with me. The idea that educators are not only instructors but also designers, creating authentic and learner-driven activities while recognizing and accommodating learner variability, added a dynamic layer to the role. This perspective encourages a proactive approach to tailoring educational experiences to the diverse needs of students, promoting inclusivity and engagement.

I agree with the label "digital native" for today's youth as I do not see the term negatively. Being a digital native signifies growing up in an era where technology is pervasive and seamlessly integrated into daily life. For me, navigating digital platforms, social media, and various technological tools has been second nature. I have indeed observed differences in how my teachers, who are considered digital immigrants, approach technology. I often notice some sort of learning curve or hesitation when they integrate new technology. Even though it may not be as seamless as a digital native, I do believe that they still offered different perspectives to learning technology and their struggles even helped me understand new technology better. As for the future, I anticipate potential differences between my technological fluency and that of my future students. Technological advancements will likely introduce new tools and platforms. As an educator, it would be my responsibility to stay in the loop and with the new times of technology to properly and effectively teach my students.