To be Tech-Savy is Key

     This day in age, computers are a part of daily life. In America, almost everyone and their grandmothers have a smart-phone, or a mini-computer. We are required to use computers to write papers, submit assignments, and conduct research for our school work. Without a good base knowledge of computer technology, the material you are teaching is not going to be consumed fully or to the greatest affect because of the new generation of children. I agree with our textbook, Tech Tactics, when it says,"it is necessary for teachers to have the same basic skills as students." Teachers rely heavily on computers as well as students. Teachers are able to keep in touch with their students easily through e-mail and websites such as Blackboard at Florida State. Grades are posted on these types of websites, allowing students to keep up-to-date on how they are doing in classes and what assignments are coming up. Chapter 1 discusses the philosophy of teaching and how students must be interactive while the teacher instructs to learn best. Computers and other educational technology allow this to happen in multiple different ways.
     I am considered a digital native. My brother, who is 28 years old, is considered a digital native but like the speaker of the podcast, he is considered in the upper age limit. A digital native is someone who has grown up with technology in their lives. I, for example, grew up always having a computer. It had to connect to our land-line phone when I was very young, but it was always there. I think this is an accurate term for our generation. We're the first to be there from the big take-off of computers and computer technology all the way through the progress towards some of the mind-blowing technology we have today. The older teachers (digital immigrants) go about technology slightly different than the natives. When I cannot find a way to do something on the computer, I immediately search through the File, Edit, Tools, and Help buttons on the top Task Bar. If I can't find my answer there, I turn to Google or YouTube. I use technology to help me learn more about technology. I've noticed that digital immigrants will get frustrated easier when they are not able to work the technology just right. Instead of searching for the answer themselves, they often ask the students if they know how to do the task at hand. It is interesting to think about the contrast of one generation using technology to the next.

Just Press Start

     My parents were the type who forced their children to play outside. By forced, I mean they locked the doors to our house until 4 pm on Saturdays and we were not to attempt to come inside  unless bleeding or death was occurring. This caused my use of computer technology to be limited to Paint and Solitaire. The older I became, the more I was required to learn and know about computers in order to complete school projects and stay up-to-date with what social network was 'in' during a given phase. I have mastered the art of pressing the Google Search button. I can Save As anything you  need in any folder [unless it's Local Disk (C:)...where does that folder even lead?!]. I can create a PowerPoint with maximum effects and transitions. I can create a New Tab and find programs through the Start button (my favorite button of them all). Basically, I am basic when it comes to using technology.

     

     In this class, I hope to advance my skills in working with computers at least one level. I don't expect to become the next IT gal for Florida State, but I would like to be able to answer a technology question if asked. I am not familiar with Excel as much as the other Microsoft Office programs, therefore the sections about that will be extremely helpful for me. Blogging is something I've attempted once...or twice. With a blog post being required once a week, I hope this class helps me become a better blogger for the future possibility of wanting to start one for travel.

     I learn best by visually watching and repeating instructions. I need to be able to have the instructions in front of me to constantly go back and refer to. As in regards to learning by technology, I don't very well. I enjoy reading and learning from tangible books, ones that I can mark in and dog-ear as I please. In order to learn in this class though, I am excited to have to force myself to just press Start.