Blog Post 2

 Throughout my K-12 and FSU experience, Microsoft Word was a tool that I used quite frequently. I was introduced to it for the first time in the 3rd grade. Since then, I've used the platform to write numerous essays and assignments for school. Today, I prefer using MS word over other platforms as it is the one I am most familiar with and have easy access to. 

While learning about the ISTE Standards for Educators, the standard that is most meaningful for me is 2.4c Use Collaborative Tools. This is true because I believe that technology should be a tool used to bring students together as they are learning. Sadly I see it used to isolate them, which can hinder them academically and personally. I believe that a successful educator should combine both technological and real life experiences for to enhance learning as well as provide opportunities for students to socialize and collaborate with their peers. 

A digital native can be described as a person who grows up surrounded by and engaging with technology on a daily basis. Many believe that as time goes on there is a growing gap forming between digital natives and digital immigrants. While this is true in some scenarios, there are other aspects that can affect the level of familiarity one has with technology, such as someones career or educational background. It is true that technology is becoming more relevant in schools, so I do believe that people are being exposed to it much quicker then twenty years ago. In my educational experience, technology was certainly a tool but my primary way of learning especially in elementary school was through real-life, hands on experiences with teacher relationships. My hope is that those will still be a priority in a child's education- not their ability to learn using technology.