Blog Journal #2

        I used MS Word throughout K-12 to type up formal essays and projects. In high school most of my assignments were completed digitally through MS Word. In my junior year of High School my english teacher showed the class how to use Google Docs. Prior to this I had never used anything other than MS Word. Following learning how to use Google Docs I almost exclusively use it to complete written assignments and take notes. I prefer Google Docs because it automatically saves my progress as I type and I can access my work on any device at any time. The only time I use MS Word now is when it is required for an assignment.

    The ISTE Standards for Educators lay out some guidelines for educators to encourage their students to think critically and collaborate with one another. The standard that is most meaningful to me is 2.5: Designer: "Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability". This standard means that educators recognize that not all students learn at the same rate or in the same way, therefore they design learning activities to reflect these differences. This standard is important for K-12 educators because their students are at a critical period in their learning, which defines how they will learn as well as how they will be prepared for their future educations and careers.

    I agree with the term digital native for today's youth because they have grown up surrounded by technology. To be a digital native means to be born into the age of technology. I have seen some differences between myself and my teachers when it comes to using technology. I am very familiar with most websites and softwares that are popular today, because of this familiarity it is pretty easy for me to pick up on how to use new technology. I have noticed that many of my teachers find difficulty in navigating new technology, especially live video streaming softwares like Zoom. Because of classes being moved online and teachers having to learn how to use new software, I feel that my learning has been a bit hindered especially in the last two years. I anticipate that future students of mine will have even greater knowledge of how new technology works, however I feel that because I am a digital native the difference between their technological knowledge and mine will not be as great.

    I think that badges can be a great incentive for students to become empowered by their achievements. I have earned digital badges for completing computer assignments. When I was in middle school I took a typing class where we earned badges for completing assignments as well as becoming faster at typing. I do not share these badges because they were somewhat insignificant to me. I do think that badges in programs like the Girl Scouts are something that are super cool and should be shared.