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Journal #2

     Microsoft Word is a program I feel like I have been using my whole life. Even before I entered the classroom I watched my older sisters play with the program's "word art" feature, creating fun invitations and posters. When ever I got into school and was required to type up essays or homework, MS word was always what was used at school and in my household. After elementary school I was already pretty savvy with the program, and as a result passed technology lessons on the program in both middle and high school. Throughout school nearly every teacher I had used word in order to create their tests or print outs. Whenever I reached high school I even had teachers require papers to be submitted as a MS word document. The program has always been the staple way of turning in/sharing large amounts of text or information.

      Up until middle school I don't think I really learned the true purpose of copyright. Whenever I started writing essays that required sources I was introduced to the ideas of plagiarism and infringement. It was stressed by all of my teachers that you could not copy another person piece of work. I only really recognized this importance in written text up until high school when I was taught to also cite images I use in my work. I think as a teacher I'd deal with copyright by finding different fair use content to use within the classroom. I want to be able to incorporate videos from television and movies that relate back to my subject so that my students are entertained. I think using visuals that students are familiar with will help spark an interest in the subject. Here it is important that I follow the rule of fair use and make sure its necessary for the educational goal. I will offer my students additional resources which they can use to avoid copyright infringement, such as creative commons. I will stress the importance of proper citation to make sure that any work used is fair.

     The implementation of technology is an important subject area which teachers must have within their classrooms. Technological literacy is a skill that is required for anyone to succeed in the current era. There are some issues that teachers face though that create barriers when trying to implement the subject. As a teacher I would maintain student privacy on technology by always gaining permission from students parents before posting any examples of student work, and by never sharing students personal grades on assignments submitted to me. I would work against software piracy by making sure that all students legally buy their copies of software. I'll teach the importance of avoiding piracy, and make sure students understand that copies they receive from friends might not be legitimate. I would also teach students to wary of cyber-bullying. To prevent the issue I would teach preventative measures about the importance of digital citizenship and good behavior online. I would also take an anti-bullying approach to make sure that students know that the words they say online can have a harsh effect. Through these measures I would be able to implement technology while also keeping students safe.

ISTE Standards Activity

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1bEL_gb3VkrQitzyw2Ik2ckuujwxelFRJfzabdcOv1IY/edit?usp=sharing

     During this activity in class I had to use multiple ISTE standards to find solutions and resources for the student standard of Innovative Designer.

• I was a learner as I explored multiple new resources which could be used to teach design to students. I not only learned from my own searching but also from the ideas of my partner, and made sure to read and understand which each suggested source did. 
• I was also a collaborator as I worked with my partner in order to find the sources. My partner Ryan and I planned out our work within a google doc, which in it self is a digital resource, and both input our ideas on the document. This collaborative tool allowed us to work simultaneously from across the room
• My skills as a citizen were also used as I explored the digital world in order to find multiple different sources for innovative design. I critically analyzed sources and only examined sites if the seemed safe and well reviewed to ensure that I was selecting the best material for students.
• In order to look at the sources and think of ways in which they could benefit students I had to be a designer. With each source I had to imagine the different learning activities that would align with the standard of innovative designer.

In order to find the best resources for students over half of the standards for educators were used. This shows their importance in the growing world of technology, and how following the standards is both necessary and should be simple for educators of today.

Journal #1

     The digital world is increasingly affecting the everyday life of teachers and students alike. While we can look at students of the current generation as participants of the technological lifestyle, teachers differ in being more work oriented adapters to the change. Teachers are influenced by functionality of technology and how it can better improve the affect of their classroom. New tech such as smart boards allow the teacher to create a more streamline and interactive class then the typical whiteboard. Technological proficiency is an important skill to have since it allows teachers to better interact with knowledgeable students. Students use technology in the classroom because it is part of their everyday life. Technological concepts come easily which allows an active participation and interest in the class.

     The ISTE standards have been set in place to ensure change is being made in the field of education, which insists educators, students, and leaders alike all follow the same guidelines for what technological skills are necessary to possess and succeed in the current world. Within the skill sets for students I resonate with the importance of Digital Citizenship. This standard stresses the importance of recognizing both the rights you have in a  digital space, and the rules and responsibilities you must uphold. I find this standard important because it helps create a safe and informative space in the digital world that is not taken for granted. Within standards for educators I do not yet feel extremely comfortable identifying as a Collaborator. I need more experience working with peers to find new ways to use technology, and must become more familiar with collaborative tools.

     I do believe that the label of  "digital native" is an accurate description of today's youth. People of my generation were introduced to technology as soon as we entered kindergarten, and now today we have cell phones and mobile devices that are practically an extension of ourselves. Digital natives know little of a world without technology since it has always been apart of out lives, and are excited to try new devices and software as change occurs. A difference is found in the classroom as teachers of the "digital immigrant" generation sometimes can come off as less knowledgeable than the students themselves. In technology based classes I see an excitement with teaching the new ideas and principles of computers, while in other core classes I see a teacher struggle with accessing even a video online for the class, and an unwillingness to receive help from students. It has always been easier to learn in a class where the teacher knows how to operate their devices. In the future I hope that I uphold my ongoing transition to learn new technology and stay up to date, but if I struggle I hope I can swallow my pride enough to accept the help of a student.

Journal #0

Prior to EME 2040 I used technology everyday of my life. Not just in school, but also in my personal life of communicating to all my friends via smartphone. As I've older the use of technology has become increasingly important. As a child all I would use technology for was to play games when I was bored. Throughout my educational experience though, technology has become my main form of communication with teachers and with classmate. I learned how to create documents on my computer and presentations for school. Having access to technology and knowing how to use it was crucial for my school experience.

In this class I hope to learn how to better my understanding of all of my technological resources. I want to be able to use many different materials or programs in order to present ideas and lessons that I would use in teaching. I think its important that I gain an understanding now as technology in still rapidly expanding in all things it can do. By learning now how to properly use my resources I how to make my self prepared to continue to adapt to new forms of technology in and out of the classroom.