My experience using Microsoft Word as a student is that I am familiar with its basic features right now. When I was in middle school, I took a technology class where we got our Microsoft Word certification. However, that was quite a few years ago so I do not think I would remember all the more advanced features. If I had to choose the word processing software of my preference, I would say it is Google Docs because it is quick and easy to access and use. It is also good for the type of work that I commonly use it for, which is school work, because it is simple, including the basic features that I need. It does not overwhelm me with a ton of features that I do not frequently use.
After viewing the ISTE Standards for Educators, I realized that standard 2.3 is the most meaningful to me. Overall, Standard 2.3 says that teachers encourage students to use technology responsibly and to make a positive impact. This standard has 4 sub-standards which are standards 2.3.a, 2.3.b, 2.3.c, and 2.3d. Sub-standard 2.3.a says that teachers create activities that involve students in respectfully engaging with one another to form a sense of togetherness online. Sub-standard 2.3.b says that teachers will help students develop community norms related to technology such as critically examining sources rather than just always believing them. Sub-standard 2.3.c says that teachers coach students to follow online rules and practices such as those on plagiarism. Sub-standard 2.3.d says that teachers promote and demonstrate regulation of personal data and identity online. Overall, this standard is important for K-12 educators because it helps teachers equip students with important skills that they can apply in the real world, which for me is the primary goal of education.
I do not agree with the label of “digital native” for today’s youth because it is an overstatement or generalization. A “digital native” is someone who grew up with technology from a young age therefore this person is more knowledgeable in using technology than others who did not grow up around it. Although most youth today might be considered digital natives, not all of them are. Children grow up in various circumstances that can influence whether a child is a “digital native” besides the time they were born. For example, family income and family values can affect whether a child is exposed to technology from a really young age. I do not think I have noticed a notable difference between me and how most of my teachers use technology. The difference that I anticipate between me and my future students is that they will probably not need much guidance when I introduce them to assignments or activities that require technology, unlike me who might need some time to get familiar with it. I think it will be almost intuitive to them.
Alondra, I really enjoyed reading your perspective about Microsoft Word, the standards, and what it means to be a digital native. In regard to Microsoft Word, I relate to you in that I also prefer Google Docs because I feel like its a lot less complicated then Microsoft Word, and you can also save anything you do in Docs as a Word document, so it almost feels unnecessary to use Word sometimes. I also feel that teaching students to use technology in a positive way is especially necessary in today's world. It is so easy to post anything on any platform today so it is important for the youth to know that what they post online may affect them in their future careers. I also agree that we are in an odd age where we did not necessarily grow up with technology like kids today, but we also know how to use technology better than the generation before us.
ReplyDeleteThis blog post is very insightful, Alondra. I didn't know that you could get certified in Microsoft word. I also find myself using Google Docs for the same reasons. I agree with you that Standard 2.3 is a very meaningful one. Part of the reason I decided to become an education major was that I wanted to give future students a positive experience with school that I struggled to have growing up and I also agree that we should prioritize teaching students lessons that they can use in real-world situations. Your perspective of "digital natives" is very interesting and you make some good points.
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