EME2040 Blog Journal 2
I actually didn't start using Microsoft Word until I got to FSU. In highschool I used GoogleDocs to take notes. I ran into three issues at FSU that resulted in a switch to Microsoft Word. Issue 1- I had to write papers now, and GoogleDocs is awful for formating proper Chicago style papers with footnotes. Issue 2- I had to turn assignments in using Canvas, and instructors required Word Documents more often than not. I was converting my GoogleDocs assignments to Word Documents anyway at that point. Issue 3- Google Docs has an input lag that I never noticed until the speed at which I take notes had to drastically increase to keep up with my professors. Microsoft Word won out, and I use it every single day.
The ISTE Standard that resonates with me most is the Citizen Standard 3b. 3b states "Establish a learning culture that promotes curiosity and critical examination of online resources and fosters digital literacy and media fluency". This is a premise that is critical to establish for people who are going to engage with the digital world, which is mostly everyone. The internet can be a wonderful tool, where all of our questions can be answered in a minute. We can be more informed than ever before, learn things at a rapid rate, and understand our world in a broader and more accessible way. Sadly, the internet is full of bullshit lies. People read these lies, misconceptions, and misunderstandings and they just go with it. It is important to critically examine our resources, which can actually be done really easily through competent use of the internet. The internet has potential to be a positive contributor to societal advance, but it has instead become a nightmarish hub of misinformation that people just choose to believe without a second thought. Apparently, the only way to prevent this is through the teachung of critical online examination skills, digital literacy, and media fluency. Even then, I am starting to doubt that anything can stop the internet for doing more harm then good.
I do not agree with the Digital Native assumption. I think that, if it was a term that solely described people who were more in tune with the digital world that it would be a wonderful term, but that is not what it is. The Digital Native idea is based on the age of an individual, when someone's age alone does not tell you their digital proficiency. The proficiency in which someone can engage with the digital world is what dictates their digital proficiency. It is not easier for younger people to engage with and use technology, because there are millions of older people that are very good at using technology. The digital world has become intertwined with the real world. It has become necessary for our work lives, our school lives, and our social lives. Most everyone has to interact with the digital world in some way, and all of those people demonstrate digital proficiency of varying degress. Those who lives do not often intersect with the digital world are not just people who are older. The things that impede or restrict this access are often unrelated to age, and are more so associated with class, religion, and upbringing.
Hey! I used Google Docs all through high school too, although I'm sure I'll have to switch over to MS Word like you did soon. I like how you defined the educator standard you use. Teaching kids how to actually use and examine technology is very important.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your perspective on the digital native assumptions. There are young people who are not so interested in using technology, and they do have difficulties taking on new applications. Meanwhile, many technical experts are in their 40-50s and are really good at functioning modern technical equipment and developing new features for apps.
ReplyDeleteHi! I totally agree with the Google Docs issue, I had the same problem when I got to college not being able to transfer my papers and notes as successfully. I love how you explained the Citizen Standard; in the fact that the internet can be a great tool, but also a very negative and incorrect information took that lacks a proper way to learn. For the digital narrative, I took the other route. I talked about how for our generations and the people younger, it is oftentimes easier to understand technology, but I agree with your point that not everyone our age likes technology or fully understands it. I love your perspective on it and it made me see this idea in a different way. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHey! I also relied very heavily on Google Docs in high school. My school provided chrome books to all students so we never had an option to use Microsoft Word. However, after coming to FSU and transitioning to Microsoft Word, I have enjoyed this software a lot better than Google Docs. Like you, I experienced all of those issues and it no longer became practical to use Google Docs.
ReplyDeleteHey! I think your perspective about digital natives is really interesting and I totally agree with it. I also only used Google Docs in high school and switching to Microsoft Word as some classes require has been a weird transition.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful. We will learn how to evaluate website information. The assignment #2 is a group project to evaluate websites for filtering out good educational resources.
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