Blog Journal #2

     As a student, I have become very familiar with MS Word. I used Word for many of my assignments and papers in middle school and high school. I have continued using Word for the majority of my assignments while here at FSU. I definitely prefer  MS Word over another word processing software like Google Docs. I prefer word because I have used it for so long and feel very comfortable with using it. 

    The ISTE standard that is most meaningful to me is "facilitator". This standard emphasizes the importance of fostering student learning through using technology. The "facilitator" standard also expects educators to encourage and challenge student creativity, communication, and achievement through technology and virtual environments while in the classroom. I think this standard is important for K-12 educators because teachers have the ability to foster student learning within the classroom and without that I think it makes it difficult for students to achieve their learning goals. 

    I definitely think today's youth are "digital natives". I think those who have grown up surrounded by technology and have used technology for education and in many other aspects of their lives are considered "digital natives". I think younger people like myself, who are considered "digital natives" are much more comfortable with using technology and may have more everyday experience with it when compared to "digital immigrants". I think today's youth are very familiar with technology in terms of social media since they have grown up using it. "Digital immigrants" have had to learn how to use technology and how to use it to educate and therefore have developed a different understanding and familiarity with technology. These differences can make it difficult for educators and students to understand each other in terms of teaching and learning. 

    I think badges are an interesting tool for challenging student learning, creativity, and participation. I think it allows for students to learn and participate with the course in a fun and novel way. I also think the badges can be a source of motivation. I have never earned a badge. However, I do think while in this course I want to earn a badge or at least try to and see how I like it.