Digital+Native

I think that technology is important to use in the classroom. Our world is constantly changing with new technology.

However, there are some skills that need to be taught without technology. I believe writing needs to be taught without technology. Students need to learn how to write using a pencil and paper. Even though people may type more than they write in today's world, I think writing on paper still needs to be taught in schools. If for some reason in the future, something happens to technology and people are forced into writing things out again, students need to have a strong background of writing.

Most of today's students grow up with technology in their home. However, there will be students in my classroom that have not seen as much technology as other students. Their parents may not use the latest technology or cannot afford it. Therefore, I think it is important to keep that in mind when planning activities as well as reaching parents. I will need to do my best in reaching all types of parents. For example, sending home a paper newsletter as well as posting it online would be a good way to reach all parents. Also, if I am having my students work on activities that require internet, I will need to give them in-class time to do so. I should not expect that all students have access to the internet at home.

I think technology can enhance teaching, and I will want to use a variety of technology in my classroom. However, the one thing that worries me is when it is very slow or not working.

In my classroom, I will want to have an interactive board and digital camera. I also would like the students to have quite a bit of time to access computers (preferably, a portable lab, but otherwise a regular computer lab).

It will be hard if I am teaching in a school with limited technology, especially because I am learning many great ways to use technology. However, if I am teaching in a school with limited technology, I will give my suggestions to the school for adding technology into the classrooms.

I consider myself a digital native, because I have grown up with technology and continually use it. I am constantly using the internet for school by using my email, accessing d2l, class wiki pages, and researching the web for assignments. I constantly am using technology for communication as well by using email, calling on my cell phone, texting, and facebooking. Also, I use technology when I work on campus as a tutor, because I proofread papers by accessing them through email and correcting them using my computer. If I am helping a student face-to-face, I am using his/her or my computer during the session. When I am working out or running in my free time, I am using technology because I listen to my ipod. Therefore, the majority of time in my day is spent using technology, so I consider myself a digital native. However, I do not consider myself a "high-tech" digital native, because I do not always have the "top digital items" as soon as they come out. I do not have an Ipad or Ipod Touch, but I do think they are cool and like using them.