Post # 1

Chapter one first deals with the different types of computers and the standards of technology in the classroom. It goes on to discuss today’s generation as being the “digital generation” and today’s students as being “digital students.” These “digital students” are defined as being “hyper-communicators” who use a variety of tools including email, AIM, and phones to communicate, “multitaskers” especially when it involves computers, and “goal oriented” pursuing multiple goals at the same time. Another key section in chapter one is about the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) which is a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of technology to support and improve teaching and learning. As a result of ISTE, the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers was developed. It is basically the fundamental concepts, knowledge, skills, and attitudes for applying technology in K-12 educational settings. The ARCS Motivational Model, another important section, was developed by John M. Keller in 1983. ARCS stands for attention, relevance, challenge/confidence, and satisfaction/success, Keller used this model to show that if a student is not motivated, he will not learn, this concept still applies today for learning in the digital age.

I have indeed acquired new skills on the computer since the first class. I had never experienced the world of blogging until this class, and since we made our blogging accounts I have been learning more and more about this fast-growing means of technological communication. I find it very interesting that anyone with access to the internet can post their thoughts and opinions on just about any subject matter. Furthermore, we can read other peoples viewpoints and comment on those as well. Although blogging is very new to me, I am already finding it to be a fascinating and efficient means of communication, one which I could easily see incorporating into the classroom. The idea that students can answer homework assignments online and that the teacher as well as all of the students can see each other’s opinions on certain matters just makes it that much more appealing to me.

I am very excited about taking this course and becoming further educated in the world of technology. I feel like I will learn a lot of information that will benefit me now as well as in the future, and that I will learn many things that I can one day incorporate into my classroom as a teacher. In this fast paced world I feel like we must be computer savvy, so I am excited for this opportunity to learn all about it!