Blog Post #1

1.  Computers are an important part of the educational experience because this "information age" relies heavily on technology, and without proficient knowledge in computer skills,  students will be unprepared and at a disadvantage in the social, and especially work, realm.  Knowledge of (at least basic) computer functions/ applications is essential.  Although necessity, there are some concerns and challenges to address.  Such issues include lack of financing, insufficient time to integrate technology into class time, and surrounding cultural bias.  Although all three concerns are legitimate, I believe the "negative, against-technology, cultural bias" perspective is very much a minority view.  I believe most educators are embracing technology's integration in society and see the mastering of computer skills as important objectives for their students.  I view funding and practical, in-class-application as the bigger issues to solve.        

2. In my classroom, I would especially want to implement practical computer skills in assignments -- such as Word, Powerpoint, and especially Excel.  I would also want to teach my students how to operate the basics of both Mac and PC.  I would also love to include quick, practical, everyday life technology tips -- such as online bill pay, etc.  In EME 2040, an overview of Windows, Excel, and many other applications will help me implement these idea into my future classroom!  I currently have no knowledge of Excel, so I am especially interested in learning that program.

3. A digital native is someone who has grown up with a prevalent presence of technology around them, while a digital immigrant is someone who has had to adapt to the increasing use of technology.  I believe "digital native" is an accurate term to describes most of today's youth.  (Although there will always be an exception with rural/ impoverished communities having no prevalent access to technology, therefore not being "native.")  Luckily, my past teachers have had just as an extensive (if not more) knowledge of computers as I, leading their classrooms to be technology-infused.  Once I begin to teach, although I'm sure there will be differences in how I and my students use technology, I predict that there will be even less of a immigrant-native gap than there is today.