Technology for a New Generation (J1)

Technology can be a great way to streamline the process of learning for both teachers and students. Whether it is through an informational Power Point or online textbooks, introducing new resources into the classroom allows for a more flexible style of learning. Furthermore, technology can help keep students engaged in the lesson by establishing more interactive elements into the curriculum. For teachers, technology provides a new means of diagnosing problems in their lesson plan and developing innovative solutions to them.

One resource that can help aid teachers in figuring out ways to incorporate technology effectively is the ISTE standards. Of these standards, I find the Innovative Designer standard for students to be particularly powerful as a Creative Writer. Being able to apply what you are learning and putting your work out there is extremely important in this field, and I want my students to have adequate opportunities to explore their individual passions in this way. I think the standard that gives me the most pause is the Analyst standard for educators. I am not terrible great with data analysis or with computing and understanding figures. I hope to improve in this regard so that I can have the information to benefit my students.

The term "digital native" is a difficult one for me to accept fully. While I recognize that our competency and familiarity with technology as a civilization will likely only stronger with each generation, I also have to recognize that what makes someone adept at navigating technology has far more to do with drive than it does with age. As technology becomes more and more revolutionary, more people are going to be inspired to explore these new and exciting opportunities. Who these people are, however, can vary wildly. Every person is coming into this generation with a different background, varying degrees of exposure to technology, and their own individual goals that they wish to achieve. What any person is capable is ultimately dictated by a combination of their passion for the craft and their willingness to adapt. And that is something available to everyone.