1. For as long as I can remember I have used Microsoft Word. MS Word has always been the word processing system expected to be used throughout my k-12 education. When I entered high school, teachers began introducing Google Drive which included Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc. At first, I did not like Google Docs, but as I entered college, all of my assignments were expected to be turned in virtually. As my courseload got a bit heavier on assignments, I started to feel that Google Docs seemed more streamlined than MS Word. Now, I prefer doing all of my assignments on Google Docs. I enjoy the way that all of my word documents are listed on the home page of Docs, and that my work is automatically saved. Furthermore, I think that Google Docs is easier to navigate for simple assignments because it lacks some of the “bells and whistles” that MS Word contains. Overall, MS Word and Google Docs are both great word processing systems, but I prefer the simplicity of Google Docs.
2. The statement that I found the most meaningful was that educators should be “collaborators, specifically 2.4c which states “Use collaborative tools to expand students' authentic, real-world learning experiences by engaging virtually with experts, teams, and students, locally and globally.” I believe that this statement is the most meaningful for K-12 educators because real-world learning experiences were so vital in my education. Using real-world applications truly helped me grasp so many concepts. When educators can use technology to combine lessons with real-world “local and global” concepts, students can gain a grasp on the subject because they can apply it to their own lives. Also, I believe that being able to use virtual tools to engage and collaborate with students overall increases students' attention span and desire to learn.
3. I do believe that the term “digital native” fits today's middle-to-upper class American youth. Although many young people are considered “digital natives”, many of the youth that cannot afford technology at home, or go to underfunded schools without good technological resources may not have the same experience and comfortableness with technology. Being a digital native means that one was brought up during the time of technology, which technology being commonplace within their lives. Also, digital natives are more likely to be able to grasp new concepts regarding technology as compared to “digital immigrants”. All of my life, I have been fortunate enough to be up-to-date on technology, but I can see a major difference between myself, and people like my teachers or parents when using technology. Many educators seem to be as comfortable with using technology as I am, but some are not. When an educator does not seem comfortable using technology, I believe that a student's education has the potential to be enhanced, or harmed. If the educator can effectively teach the “old-fashioned” way, then there is no need for technology. But, technology can also enhance a student's education massively. In the future, I expect that my students will be much more comfortable with the current technology than I am, but I also believe that if my current generation continues learning about technological innovations, the gap between “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” can close.
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