Blog Post #2

As someone who grew up using Microsoft products, and then converted to Google products, I am honestly fine with both platforms. I do prefer things like Google Docs and Slides as these are the ones I have used most recently throughout my high school career, and I am grateful for a refresher on how to use Microsoft since it has been some time since using it. Thankfully, the memories of Microsoft software is coming back to me quickly, so it hasn't been that hard of an adjustment to switch back. I do appreciate how straightforward Google Docs is in terms of margins and presentation, as I have struggled in the past with the formatting appearing weird after submitting assignments that visually looked fine on my end. It led to some unnecessary stress as I could lose points for formatting issues.

After viewing the ISTE Standards, I believe that the standard of being a leader is the most important one out of the list. As an educator, you are the one your students turn to in search of knowledge, guidance, and learning. You are the example, especially for the younger learners. Some kids are in situations inside and outside of the classroom that need someone to advocate for and guide them through. I saw on the website that it mentioned an aspect of this standard was leading colleagues through new digital resources, and this was one that I had never considered. I was questioning how this could relate to leadership, and then realized how fellow teachers can lead older and new teachers that need guidance. I think it is great that not only are educators leading in the classroom, but also to their fellow teachers and administration as they are all helping one another learn and grow too.

The term of being a digital native is something that I think can accurately describe the majority of today's generation. As someone who had limited access to the internet and didn't have a phone until the age of 14, I felt out of place with my most everyone I encountered that had access. Though it would appear that I would be considered a digital immigrant, I consider people in similar situations to me a digital hybrid. As a digital native is described as someone who grew up with technology and are familiar with how to navigate it, I think that even though a small portion may not have had access right away, but has experienced technology and are more quickly to adapt than a digital immigrant as they have been exposed in some settings.

I remember my peers in school helping with technological issues that occurred when our teachers were unsure how to proceed. Most older digital immigrants got frustrated easily when they didn't understand how to fix these problems, and were amazed at how us students easily were able to fix it. Students from my school worked with the IT department and helped aid teachers and staff with technology questions and issues too. As technology continues to advance, I think it is to be expected that one day I will be the teacher asking for help from my students with technology, and being amazed at how their generation can use these sources so easily.