Blog 2: Experience with Technology

Through most of my K-12 education, I used Google Drive including Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Google Classroom. Google Drive made it very easy to complete any assignment because it had the share component that allowed others to access, edit, and view any document shared to them. Google Drive was also the prominent word processing software because my school provided Chromebooks to all students. However, as I transitioned to FSU I shifted away from Google Drive and towards Microsoft programs. As a college student I rely on Word, Excel and PowerPoint every day to complete assignments for both school and ROTC. My skill level has improved significantly in the last 3 years using Word. I prefer Microsoft Word over Google Drive because it is much easier to navigate. I also like how Microsoft Word does not require internet connection and is easily exported via email, PDF, etc. 

After learning about the ISTE Standards for Educators, I believe that the designer standard is the most important. The designer standard encompasses educators creating learning environments that adapt to all learning styles. Technology is used to enhance independent, active learning. To me, the classroom environment that is created impacts a student's experience and overall drive to learn. An environment that enhances independent and active learning applies to all types of students and creates an equal opportunity for learning while keeping children invested. 

It is interesting to read about ISTE and then about digital natives and immigrants. I do not necessarily agree with the use of the terms digit native and digital immigrant, however, I do believe that there is a general learning curve between generations that did not grow up with technology and generations that did. Digital native refers to someone that speaks the language of technology. Yet, those identified as digital natives are taught to use technology just like those identified as digital immigrants. As someone who has learned to rely on technology for the basic functions of life, I do see the learning gap between generations. In a classroom setting, I have professors who are not well educated with technology and go to their students to ask how to set up Zoom or how to project their powerpoints. But I also have professors that are very advanced in technology. I am a firm believer that if you invest time to learn, regardless of age or generation, anyone can be technologically advanced. With that being said, I am interested to see how technology will continue to advance in the future. As a future educator, I plan to continue to keep up with the advances because I predict that within the next few years, education is going to rely heavily on it.