#1- Computers, yeah?

     Hello again everyone. I'm going to begin today's post by explaining why I think computers are an integral part of educating America. Computers are a gateway for indescribable amounts of knowledge. Computers provide humans with access to everything from recipes to formulas for solving math equations to the year some obscure European artist who is famous for one painting was murdered. Computers can be used to construct power points, and tests, and a number of other important classroom necessities. However, this knowledge and power can be used for good or evil. Some critical concerns I have revolving around students and teachers using computers for their schooling are as follows:     

       

     Students can become reliant on their computers to solve their problems for them. Why learn how to solve that math problem when Google will do it for you? Why retain any knowledge you're learning if you can just pull it up on the internet in a matter of seconds?

     I have found in the past that teachers can attempt to use computers as a substitute for legitimate, productive, work. If any of my readers are familiar with the site Edmodo (essentially the social media outlet of public schools), I more than once had teachers who thought that by assigning students to read an online article and respond with their feelings to their classes' Edmodo page that they were assigning to their students thought provoking, and engaging work. This just simply isn't the case. I fear that both students and their teachers become reliant on computers and try to make them out to be a kind of device that they are not. A device that can surpass the weight and power of an engaging, hands on assignment. I feel as though computers should be used to aid these assignments (if necessary) not be forced into curriculum because everyone else is doing it.

     ISTE is the International Society for Technology in Education. This society has created standards for students and teachers when it comes to using technology in education. One standard I agree with is the first. It reads, "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity". This standard states that teachers should "engage in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources". I adore this standard because technology does, without a shadow of a doubt, have the power to solve real-world issues and solve authentic problems. Teachers have the power to teach their students how to use computers for good and equip them with the tools to seek out all of the information and knowledge technology has to offer. 

     A standard that is outside of my current skill set is the standard that reads, "Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments". This standard speaks for itself and in my current state of mind, one which I want encourage teachers to not become dependent on developing technology, I don't feel I am fit and have a mind that is geared towards "developing technology-rich learning environments" for students. 

     Google defines a "digital native" as "a person born or brought up during the age of digital technology and therefore familiar with computers at an early age". This is a title I do not agree with. Just because my peers and I are fluent with the technology we use now does not mean that we will not soon be in the very place our parents and elders stand now. Technology is developing at a rapid rate and soon myself and others my age will be lost in a sea of technology our children will be proficient in. Teachers of mine who did not grow up around technology respond differently to computers than I do, but that is expected and so common in schools that I never much paid any regards to it. Future students will soon surpass me and my title of "digital native" and that is okay.