EME 2040 Blog Post 2

From my time from k-12 to college at FSU the use of Microsoft programs has dramatically increased. During my time in K-12, I was introduced to using google programs in sixth grade to create documents and presentations. For the majority, my school district had us use google programs for submitting assignments and heavily relied on google classroom. Into college, the use of programs switched for myself and I saw myself using Microsoft programs more when creating papers and presentations. I prefer Microsoft programs, but I do feel that from so much more experience in google programs I am more confident when using google programs. I prefer Microsoft however because I find it easier to use in submissions on canvas and is more professional I find when using the program. 

I think being a collaborator is the most important standard for educators. Being able to work with students and colleagues and hear their word and input on resources, learning, and how they teach can help make them a better educator to students. I appreciate teachers that become collaborators with their students because they are able to learn from the perspective of students and that then helps them when teaching and understanding the student perspective. In addition with the use of collaborative programs teachers are able to foster new ideas in the classroom. 

I do agree with the label “digital native.” The generations that have been born into use of constant technology are more likely to know how to use technology from their early exposure at a young age. Being a digital native is being used to technology and the use of it in your daily life and having proficiency in using it. Teachers compared to the age ranges of 18-24 are typically less “digital native” since more of us were exposed to the use of technology advancement in younger ages where we were able to learn about technology at a younger age. This can be seen even greater when comparing the age ranges of 18-24 to children of 8-14 today, with most of those children being exposed to smart phones when born. Impacts that this can have on learning is it can be useful to those “digital native” in classes that use technology, however classes with educators that are not “digitally native” that don’t use technological programs can be harder for students who are used to using technological programs such as canvas to submit a pdf version paper instead of printed versions. Future differences I believe I will see between my age range and younger is more of the younger learners be able to adapt quicker to new technology then my age range due to their exposure to technology at such a young age.