Blog #1

Technology has become a central force in our society reaching all aspects of our life. As a result, technology literacy has become a vital skill necessary to function in the Information Age. Educators are given the task of preparing our next generation for their place in our technology-rich society. In order to meet these needs, teachers must incorporate technology in the classroom and students are encouraged to become conversant in different aspects of technology.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed a set of technology standards that define what you need to know in order to use technology effectively and prepare students to be 21st century digital citizens. While I think each standard is important in its own way, there is one that stands out to me in particular; Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility. Since technology is such a big part of society, it is vital that students learn the proper etiquette when using it and how to access it in a safe, legal, and ethical manner.

I strongly agree with the label "digital native" for todays youth. We have been born into the Information Age where technology is an integral part of our society. Although we still have to acquire technological skills, we have been surrounded by technology since birth. I agree with this label because I have seen the difference between myself, a digital native, and some of my professors, digital immigrants, and the way we use technology. For example, when I have to give a presentation in class, my first thought is to create a presentation on Powerpoint or Prezi. Using these programs allow me to save all of my information in one spot and present and share it easily. However, I still have professors that rely on hand writing their presentations given during lectures simply because they find the programs too complicated to use. While there are big differences between some of my professors and myself, I do not anticipate a drastic difference between me and my future students in terms of how we use technology. I feel this way because I consider myself a digital native and think technology will continue to have a large impact in all aspects of my life.