Starting in middle school I joined the academy of finance that was offered at my school. I am glad I joined this program because it taught me how to properly use Microsoft word. Moving onto high school the finance academy required all students to get Microsoft certified. I have always been a fan of Microsoft word because that is what I knew how to operate most efficiently. Other software like google docs is also easy to use but I still have more to learn about it. I prefer Microsoft word because it makes it easier to format, edit, and markup. Where those things are slightly more confusing on other programs.

    The ISTE standards for educators all seven parts play a huge role into educating students. It is important for educators to be comfortable with these standards to be the best educator they could be. The standard that is most meaningful to me is the citizen standard. The citizen standard is to have students utilize technology in a positive way while showing responsible behavior contributing to the online community. The citizen standard is important for K-12 educators because it is important to provide students guidance how to properly communicate online safely while learning how to browse online resource and learn how to digitally read online media.

    I agree that digital native is a valid term used for today’s youth. Digital native means you were born in an era where technology is present and makes it easier and children are much more comfortable with using technology. I have seen a difference between how me being born in an era with technology makes it easier for me to operate technology compared to some of my older teachers that have had trouble operating technology that I did not have to think twice about how to use. I remember in high school one of my digital immigrant teachers always tried to use technology in the classroom, but she would always end up asking for a student’s help in setting something up. This would sometimes take actual learning time away from students because she took a long time to start up the system. I think there will be a difference between me and my future students in terms of technology because the youth these days are very tech savvy and can quickly operate some systems that I have never heard of. Now children are growing up with much newer software and it makes it easier for them to be digital natives.