Blog Post 2

In my experience, technology in the classroom allows for a more immersive learning experience. Students learn in various ways, so speaking and writing cannot be the only two methods of providing information. Supplemental PowerPoint use has become commonplace in many classrooms because slides are engaging and easy to comprehend. The application of technology amongst students is effective because students can utilize those learned skills outside of the classroom, as well. Using technology in class is a break from routine for many students. Tablets and computers signify a break from routine, as well. They are familiar and fun to use for many students. Students can entertain themselves and learn simultaneously.

Every ISTE standard includes enlightening information and guidance for educators, but the Citizen standard resonates the most with me. I strive to help the people in my life to make informed choices with technology and to be cognizant of the posts they make. Mass communication allows for a globalized world, but internet users can unknowingly and purposefully affect others in a negative way. I think I could be effective in teaching the risks and ethics of technology use to my students.
To me, the Designer standard is the most difficult standard to enact successfully. Every student possesses different traits and needs in the classroom; therefore, it is difficult to accommodate everybody. Inclusive lesson plans could be stressful to make.

I believe that the phrase "digital native" is reflective of the state of younger generations today. Most students are very familiar with the workings of laptops, tablets, phone, and gaming consoles because they have been immersed in technology since birth. Generally, younger students are more comfortable using technology in a recreational way than older teachers are. There is a generational gap, but it is not something to be wary of. Students have much to learn from technological use in an institutional setting, but teachers can improve their personal skills by viewing how students interact with their devices.

Blog Post 1

Thank you for visiting my blog!

My name is Katelyn Cannady, and I'm majoring in history at Florida State University. I am nineteen years old, but I turn twenty in eight days! I love to bullet journal, and I just got back into reading for fun again. Summer is my favorite season because it is warm and heavy and lazy. I adore laying in the sun. I love music, too: I have spent the past few days listening to nothing but Fiona Apple and Megan thee Stallion's new album. I have the worst taste in television, though. I think Grey's Anatomy and the Bachelor are absolutely riveting. Work and friends and school get in the way of my television time, however, but I mind that less than most do. I don't like being idle.

I have spent ample time in front of computers and tablets, both in a professional and personal sense. When I was younger, I had to regularly parse through PowerPoint for my classroom assignments, giving me lots of experience in that respect. In ninth grade, I became certified in Adobe Photoshop. However, I am certain that I couldn't even crop a photo on more recent versions of the program today. I have had experience recreationally making gifs and edits for the enjoyment of myself and my friends. During my junior and senior year of high school, I was also on my school's yearbook team, which demanded improved graphic design skills. Last semester, I slogged through two science labs, which required regular use of Excel and an obscene number of pre-arranged calculations. It was miserable, to say the least. However, I am eager to learn more.

I can't wait to learn about educational technology! When I volunteer in school environments, I am endlessly nervous about ineffective supplemental online materials. I believe that this class will give me the knowledge to decide the best medium of communication, even in other professional environments. I hope to become more familiar with computer programs that I regularly use, and comfortable with those that I am unfamiliar with. I want to engage students and inspire interests through technology, but I must first learn to properly use that technology.