Blog Journal Two

Throughout K-12, I used Microsoft Word frequently for essays, research papers, and projects. It was a reliable tool for formatting documents and practicing academic writing. At FSU, I continue to use MS Word for assignments, but I often prefer Google Docs because of its collaborative features and automatic cloud saving. Google Docs makes it easier to share work with classmates, receive feedback, and edit on the go without worrying about losing files. While Word has more advanced formatting options, I find Google Docs to be more user-friendly for everyday schoolwork.

One ISTE Standard that stands out to me is the role of the Educator as a Designer. This standard emphasizes creating authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize student needs and encourage creativity. I’ve learned that being a designer means more than just making lessons look appealing; it’s about tailoring technology and resources so that students can engage meaningfully with the content. My main question is how educators can consistently balance the time it takes to design innovative, tech-rich activities while also managing other teaching responsibilities. I like how this standard pushes teachers to view lessons through the lens of student experience rather than teacher convenience.

I mostly agree with the label “digital native” for today’s youth since many of us have grown up surrounded by smartphones, tablets, and computers. Being a digital native means feeling naturally comfortable with technology and adapting quickly to new platforms. I’ve noticed a clear difference between how I and many of my teachers—who might be considered “digital immigrants”—use technology. For example, I am more comfortable using apps, shortcuts, and collaborative tools, while some teachers stick to more traditional methods like emailing Word documents instead of using shared drives. These differences sometimes slow down classroom interactions but also highlight the importance of bridging the gap. Looking ahead, I expect my future students to be even more advanced with technology, which challenges me to keep growing so I can integrate tools they find relevant into their learning.