Blog Post 2

 1. I find that the difference in technology usage in schools lies greatly in where the school is located. For instance, I grew up in New Jersey where throughout Elementary school we used Google applications for all our work (Google Docs, Google Classroom, Google Email, etc.) When I moved to Florida for middle school, I had a rough transition to Blackboard, Word, and eventually Canvas. While I am now well-versed in all these applications, I can confidently say that I prefer Google over Microsoft. Maybe it is the familiarity since my mind's first perception of educational technology was Google. But now, even today, as I do assignments in college, I find that Google Docs has a more user-friendly outline and way fewer crashes and malfunctions than Word. 

2. This was my first encounter with ISTE Standards for Educators, but I feel as though it could be an important part of my and others' PLN. The website offers specific information for students, educators, coaches, and education leaders about educational technology. Having looked through the ISTE for students, the website seems to provide all resources and lesson points for students to succeed within the realm of technology. I think the ISTE website is an amazing resource for educators and students in the techno-modern world we live in. 

3. The reason I agree with the usage of the term"digital natives" to describe certain generations does not lie in the assumption that every person born within that time is fluent in technology. Obviously, accessibility to technology varies across different regions. However, I don't think the term being used insinuates it applies to everyone. Also, there seems to be a negative stigma surrounding these "digital natives." Hence the assertions, "Digital natives have short attention spans," or "Digital natives dislike reading." While this is certainly a possibility, one story does not account for them all. Old school and modernism can co-exist. An avid reader can use the internet and a video game junkie can major in English. To say that all digital natives are screen-obsessed is a massive generalization and cannot be considered true for all individuals. 

The difference I see between digital immigrants who are fluent with technology and digital natives is the ability to assess and infer about technological functions without needing explanation or directions at all. I expect that because of this, the new generation of educators will have more creative applications of technology, efficient classrooms, and fewer technical difficulties.