Blog Journal #5

     I first got a Twitter when I was in middle school because all my friends were getting one too. Once I got Twitter I did not really use it much. I followed bands and singers that I liked and followed my friends. I don't remember ever posting anything and I eventually just deleted Twitter because I wasn't really using it. I ended up downloading it again during high school however I didn't really use it. I wouldn't say Twitter is very beneficial to me. I don't really know how Twitter would be helpful to my future career because I  don't really use it. 

    The digital divide can have a huge impact on student success. Today, education heavily relies on technology and the internet. If a student does not have internet at home or readily access to a computer, it can be very difficult for the student to succeed in their class. A student with internet and who has unlimited access to technology can have an advantage over students without those privileges. As a teacher, I think it will be important to make sure that none of my students' success and learning are negatively effected by the digital divide. I think it would be important to make sure that students have the opportunity to work on assignments that require Internet and technology while in school. I also think computer labs should be open after or before school for students who may need to use it. 

    There is an academic software called Class Dojo that my many of my teachers used in high school. I think I will use Class Dojo when I become a teacher. The software allows each student to create an account and their parents can be linked to that account. The teacher is able to reward points or take away points from students based on in-classroom behavior and whether assignments are being turned in and on time. I think the Class Dojo helps keep the students accountable in a fun and interactive way. Another academic software I would like to use in my classroom is Kahoot! Kahoot! is an entertaining way to review for quizzes and tests. I also think Kahoot! can be used as a warm-up for students. I always loved Kahoot! when I was in school because it felt like a game. 

    I have not earned a badge yet. I think they are a really good idea and promote participation from students outside of just normal class participation. Badges allow students to chose something they are interested in or something that appeals to them. I think the badges also promote learning outside of the classroom and encourage creativity from the students while also rewarding them for doing so.