Blog Journal 2

 My experience with Microsoft Word started in grade school. I remember in early 5th grade and on through middle school going to computer class, where we would learn how to type. We used computer games to get more comfortable typing and we also learned about the basics of Microsoft Word. I have used Microsoft Word from middle school up to this day still. I have used Google Docs, a few times, but I am more comfortable using Microsoft Word, so I rely on using Microsoft Word for all my papers and assignments. I believe it is because I grew up using Microsoft Word, is that I am more comfortable using it and prefer it over Google Docs. 

From the ISTE Standards for Educators, the standard learner is the most important and meaningful to me. Learner is the most meaningful to me, because I believe to be a good educator, you have to be open to learn. No one is perfect and especially if you're a first year teacher, or second or anything, you have to be open to learn. You have to accept that you do not know everything, and you don't know everything about your students either. You have to be willing to learn and change your ways. Education is always evolving and some students learn differently than others. So you also have to be willing to learn. Learn about new educational ways, learn about yourself, what works for you and doesn't, what your students need and more. I believe learner is the most meaningful. 

I do not agree with the label digital native for today's youth. I don't agree with it because I do not believe that what generation you were born in decides how well you are at using technology. I consider myself to be sufficient at using technology, but I have other friends who are better and or worse than me. I also know my mom uses technology much more than I do in her career, and consider her to be better at it than I do. But according to this theory, my mom would be a digital immigrant. But she is not, because she is well trained in technology use. I have seen differences in my use of technology verses some teacher's use of technology. Some teachers are better at navigating canvas and using other tools like digital whiteboard and recordings of lectures than others. None of these experiences have had a negative impact on my education, it is just something I have noticed. Like for example, if an assignment is missing from where it is supposed to be, I have to further contact the professor to get clarification about it. 

I like the idea of badges. I have never used nor heard of them before this course. But I do like the idea of using them for my future career. I like the idea of how if you do something extra you get a badge, and if you have a certain number of them, you can use them to submit something late and or redo an assignment. I like this and will most definitely use this technique in my future classes. I believe its a positive incentive for doing extra work but also allows almost a bandaid for if something unexpected goes wrong or if you have an off week. I like this because it allows flexibility in the student's life and classwork.