Blog Post #2

 I used to use MS Word all the time in middle and high school for all my essays or even recreational short stories. When it came time for college applications senior year, I wrote my entire college essay on Word, but then out of nowhere, my computer shut down. Throughout my years of using Word I was used to my progress just saving, but when I turned my computer back on my entire essay had been deleted. From that moment on, I've only used Google Docs and have never had to worry about things being lost if I was offline or anything like that; it always automatically saves everything. I know you can do the same thing with Word if you set it up, but I personally think Google Docs is easier to use, share, and collaborate with. 

I think the ISTE Standard that stands out to me the most is the 2.1 Learner Standard. It's always important to keep up to date with current technologies since things are constantly changing and being upgraded. I definitely participate in PLNs that relate to my specific field, however, I feel like I don't keep current on research regarding my area of study, which is something that's important to help teach students the latest thing. 2.1 is important when it comes to finding new ways to engage students, especially since each generation relies more and more on technology. 

I honestly don't agree with the label "digital native" because even though it might be true that generations born during the time of technology are more adept and comfortable with using it, I think that it just depends on the person and how they were raised, taught, and what their interests are. For example, I prefer writing in notebooks over typing, and reading physical books, and find it harder to learn certain material from videos. I think this has to do with the fact that I'm a writer and feel that people are losing touch with books and physical copies of things that I believe are important. So, if I become a teacher, though I'd fall into the category of "digital native," I think there will be a gap between me and my students because I'd make it a requirement to sometimes write handwritten papers, handwrite vocabulary, keep a physical notebook, and encourage physical copies of books and annotations.