#1 - Computers, ISTE, and "Digital Native"

    Computers are such an integral part of both the learning and teaching processes. Chapter 1 of our textbook states that students in today's classrooms have been immersed in technology their entire lives - it is up to teachers to catch up with them. Many standards, specifically those set by NCATE, make teachers integrate technology into the classroom for the benefit of the students. So, not surprisingly, a study in 2009 found that 99% of teachers (that were surveyed) had computers in their classrooms, or had access to get one when needed. The many uses of computers make them vital tools to teachers, in that they help with presenting to the students, classroom management and grading, lesson planning, communication tools, enhancements to teaching (e.g. online activities, puzzles), and so much more. Computers are so necessary for use in the classroom, but they do have their drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is that it is hard to finance a school filled with up-to-date computers. Everyone in the education world knows that many states and districts have had to cut much of their funding, and have to cut programs that are truly necessary for the students. However, it is up to both current and future educators to make sure that technology is continually integrated into classrooms, despite its challenges.

    My favorite ISTE standard is standard #1 ("facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity"). Children are the most creative people, and most kids learn best when they can have hands-on, creative activities. I have seen it first-hand, and I know for a fact from personal experience that children need to communicate through creative collaboration with others. The standard that seems out of my current skill set is standard #5 ("engage in professional growth and leadership"). Personally, I don't see myself as of much of a leader as this standard states teachers should be, and I do not participate in anything like a global learning community.

   I definitely agree with the idea of today's youth being "digital natives." Digital natives are people who were born into this era of modern technology and computers. They did not have to modify their personal methods to keep up with the times, it was simply the first thing they learned to do. Personally, I was born into the world of technology. I can remember playing with Paint on our home desktop computer when I was about 4, and I loved to go on the websites with games for little kids. I made up my own method on how to type on a keyboard, and then had to change that method in my 6th grade typing class. My teachers taught technology to me that they had only recently learned how to use. In high school, I had many teachers who didn't understand how to make PowerPoints that actually looked appealing - everything was on a white background and the text was all black, point 12, Times New Roman. But I also had some teachers (who were usually younger) who loved to use websites like Kahoot, Edmodo, and Glogster to communicate with us and enhance our learning experience. When I teach, I anticipate to use similar apps and websites to help my students have the most innovative, positive learning experience possible.