Blog Journal 2

I have experience using Microsoft Word for papers and other presentations. I used Word mainly in high school. I prefer using Pages or Google Docs. I prefer Pages because it is more accessible with my screen reader on Mac. I prefer using Google Docs because it is easy to collaborate with others when needed.

The ISTE standard that is most meaningful to me is the 2.4 collaborator standard. The purpose of this standard is for educators and students to collaborate with each other to create a learning environment that is more engaging. This standard is important for K12 education for the following reasons. Educators can network with each other by attending education conferences or participating in Twitter chats. Teachers can have conversations with students to discuss goals and guide their learning. In music, students can collaborate with the teacher to choose selections for a concert program. Finally, students can collaborate with each other to create music compositions.

I both agree and disagree with the label digital native. I agree with the label because the definition is people who were raised around technology, but I disagree with the label because not everyone who is Gen Z is native to technology. To me, a person who is a digital native has been familiar with technology from a young age. I have seen differences in how my teachers (digital immigrants) and digital natives use technology. Some of my teachers who are digital immigrants have been hesitant to use technology. They have had difficulty particularly with adjusting to online grading. However, other digital immigrants I know have adjusted well. Teachers who are digital immigrants do not negatively impact my learning as long as there is a system for managing grades and an open line of communication. If anything, it teaches me to be more patient. I try to understand that this is a different generation for them. They are trying, and that is what matters. I think my future students will have more experience using technology than I will. Some technology I use might be considered old technology to them. I will need to adjust my teaching to ensure they are still engaged.