Blog Post 1

Computers have become an important resource for education in recent years as they have become more widely used. Computers are so important in education because the modern workplace revolves around them. No matter what business you enter, computer knowledge is necessary. Computers dominate every industry because they are efficient for storing and sharing data and they are universal, all industries use them, making communication with anyone in the business world possible. If the point of education is to prepare students for the working world, education would not be complete if it left out an element of the workplace as pivotal as the computer. Common Core is a national classroom standard in public education that sets requirements in technology education for all students. Common Core is used to create an even playing field for students graduating from public education and entering the workplace. I agree with the common core standards for technology education because it is such a new aspect of education and it is so easily overlooked by teachers accustomed to traditional educational standards and I do think it's important for students to learn computer skills. We live in an age where being oblivious to computer tech is really not acceptable.

Having used Edmodo in the past, I definitely think I would try to integrate that into my classroom. It is very efficient for sharing homework, submitting assignments, posting likes to resources, and creating a virtual classroom setting for students to communicate across. It works a lot like social media, but it eliminates many distractions that tag along with teachers who use websites such as twitter or Facebook for educational purposes as it is strictly educational. In my classroom, I would post notes online before my lectures so students could follow along on their computers while I spoke and could take interactive notes on the downloaded power points. I believe group work, though challenging, is necessary to teach students how to interact with each other and cooperate in the workplace. I would tailor group work assignments to be computer based so students could work together in class and at home through file sharing to increase productivity. In this class, I hope to learn HOW to tailor my lesson plans to incorporate these technological aspects.

I both agree and disagree with the definition of the term digital natives. I do believe there are digital natives, or people who have grown up accustomed to technology with a somewhat innate understanding of technology, however, I do not think the term "digital native" is based solely on generation. Digital natives are also defined by environment. A child growing up in the third world with no access to technology is not a digital native, even if they were born in the digital age. In my experience, my "digital immigrant" teachers have varied in computer literacy levels. Some teachers I have had have clearly not taken the time to get used to technology and it is very noticeable. Other teachers I have had who have been digital immigrants have had computer skills that far surpass my understanding of computers. It all depends on the amount of concern the individual has actually put into figuring out technology. Often, my digital immigrant teachers have been even more capable than me because they are willing to do research and read directions, whereas I expect some sort of innate understanding, which can often limit my actual understanding. I anticipate that in the future, the tables will be turned and I will be considered an immigrant of new technology among students as technology continues to evolve and change. The "next new thing" will probably be way over my head, which will give me the opportunity to either be surpassed by technology or it will give me the opportunity to rise above and adapt through research and reading.