Blog Post #2
Growing up, I used Word more recreationally than as a student. After I completed my homework every night, I would create fake lesson plans, as I wanted (and still want) to be a teacher. However, while in school and for assignments as I got older, I used Google Docs because my district had the Google Suite for every student. I like Google Docs, but it is easier to customize your documents in Word.
I think standard 2.2b is important. While using technology in and outside of the classroom, if students don't have access to these types of technology outside of the classroom, they will have a harder time completing assignments. Whether it is WiFi, printers, or even a laptop, having students use tech to complete assignments works well until you have students who don't have access to it.
I somewhat agree with the use of "digital native" when talking about my generation. Some kids grew up using iPads and computers and taught everyone around them, like their parents and peers. However, many students, myself included, didn't have much technology in their homes while they were growing up. For example, my family's first iPad was the one my mom received when I was around ten from our school district as a part of a new initiative to get teachers newer technology. I often found myself and others having to learn how to use different pieces of technology.
Your blog post provides a personal reflection on your experience with technology and how it has shaped your perspective on using it in education. I appreciate how you connect your childhood experiences—using Word for fun and Google Docs for schoolwork—to the broader conversation about technology’s role in education. Your nostalgia for Word’s customization options highlights a common experience for many students who have used both platforms, and it’s interesting to see how you’ve adapted to the tools available in your educational environment.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts on Standard 2.2b are insightful, especially the way you address the digital divide. It’s a crucial issue in education, and you rightly point out that not all students have equal access to technology outside of school. This is an important consideration when planning lessons and assignments, as relying too heavily on tech-based tasks can inadvertently leave some students at a disadvantage. Your recognition of this challenge shows that you’re thinking critically about equity in the classroom.
Your perspective on the term “digital native” is also worth noting. It’s true that not all students have had the same level of access to technology, and your own experience reflects that. This shows that, even in the digital age, the term “digital native” may be a bit misleading, as not every student grows up with the same level of exposure to technology.
Overall, your post demonstrates a thoughtful and reflective approach to how technology impacts education, both in and out of the classroom. It would be great to see more about how you plan to address technology gaps or adapt lessons for students who might not have access to certain tools.