#1 - Technologically Critical and Digitally Native

Technology is critical in the education system, so critical that schools receive "substantial annual investment in technology" (Lever-Duffy, McDonald, 11). Computers specifically are important in education because they are the main tool being implemented by teachers. When I think about which piece of technology I use the most for school, it is most definitely my computer. Being able to communicate with my professors and classmates with ease, completing assignments via word processing software in a heartbeat and the occasional binge watch of Netflix in my off time shows how important computers are in my educational life. In every class I have taken at Florida State, my professors and teachers have implemented computers in order to teach their class; ranging from minimal use to solely using the computer to teach, computers are very important and prevalent in the classrooms here at Florida State. Although computers are incredible useful for education, there are some heavy concerns regarding the use of this particular technology. Finances may be a concern regarding the use of technologies. This could cause certain schools may keep computers longer than their ability to update to the current software allows them to; this makes it hard on the teachers to integrate the most current technologies within their classrooms (Lever-Duffy, McDonald, 11). Not only could financial issues affect the school, but financial issues at home could cause a gap for students; some may not be able to afford to have a computer at home. Another issue with using technology in the classroom would be that some students may have different learning styles that don't fit within that certain technology. I agree and disagree with many of the issues raised in the chapters regarding how teachers and students use computers.


The ISTE standards help with the collaboration of administrators, teachers and students towards moving education forward in a digital age. Regarding the ISTE standards for teachers, the one that stood out to me a lot was to, "facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity". This may seem like a given for some people, but I have trouble with the idea of cultivating creativity within other people, and as a future teacher I feel as though this is very important for my students. An ISTE standard that I find important is the standard regarding "critical thinking, problem solving and decision making" for the student standards. I personally believe that all three of these concepts are the most important for a student to learn in school. They are used in daily life and I know that they will be used not only throughout a students life in school, but in their lives after school as well.


I agree that the label digital native should be used for today's youth. This is because this generation has been around technology since the day they were born, and it surrounds us as we age. A digital native can be described as someone who doesn't find technology to be a foreign being and "treating it as an assumed part of life". I have noticed that some of my professors are capable of using technology to get by, but not necessarily use it to the extent that I would be able to use it. There may be a delay in time with how long it take for them to get from program to program. I personally feel as though there are some things that I am able to use with ease, while some of my professors are unable to use them at all. I haven't had anything big stand out to me about a professor being a digital immigrant, and their inability to use certain technologies. I have only had one instance where a professor didn't use PowerPoint correctly and I was unable to read the notes, which wasn't ideal.  There will always be a gap between generations regarding technology, but it's up to us as teachers to keep up with the new and improved technology to improve our students and their futures.