I have used MS Word since I can remember for all word processed documents in the computer. I remember that there was a program called Word Perfect but as you can imagine that was a very long time ago. Since returning to school all assignments requiring written work must be turned in by using the MS Word program and certain formatting must be used as well such as Times New Roman with a 12 point font and double spaces. I have used this format for many years now and I never deviate from it. Most of the teachers that I have had in my recent semesters also use the same MS Word program and format for their syllabus and pacing schedule for the class. I particularly like the feature that teachers use when grading a research paper where they add comments in different areas on the paper by using the program, this makes it easier to read and understand their comments, rather than their actual hand writing.

                Copyright and fair use of materials in an educational environment in my experience should  be allowable as it is being used for the purposes of education. I understand that there laws where making a copy of an entire text is illegal because the publisher requires that the textbook be purchased for its educational use and not reproduced. As to fair use the guidelines clearly allow the use of the materials for non-profit use such as education. In my experience all material should be treated as copyrighted material. As a teacher I would abide by the copyright and fair use laws and educate my students about these laws. It is always possible to create your own instructional materials on the same subject such as there are thousands of books on the same subject. I would stress to my students to be original and creative when expressing their own thoughts as they own their thoughts. I would also explain to students how important it is to give credit in form of reference when using someone else’s words.

                One issue that needs to be addressed the lack of technology in underdeveloped and poorer areas. A solution to this problem would be using community resources and assistance from community business to provide adequate resources for the use of computers and internet. For example, Comcast has a program for families whose children qualify for free lunch can subscribe to Comcast internet service at a reduced cost. Also an offer for a refurbished computer for $149, is provided when you sign up for the internet service.  Cyber bulling is a serious issue in today’s technological age, as students are very involved in social media. There should be a Cyber police force that monitors language that suggests bullying a software program that can detect this type of behavior just like we presently monitor for child pornography and internet predators. As a society we should implement some laws concerning bullying that carry some serious consequences as does hazing and other negative behavior since they have both resulted in the death of many students. Lastly, privacy is also a great concern as there are strict laws regarding privacy that are not always followed. I propose that a better understanding of privacy laws regarding social media be explained to students in a manner that is comprehended with examples as to what are considered actual violations and what is borderline as well as what it means to uphold the privacy laws.

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Teachers are influenced to use technology in the classroom because it enhances their teaching strategies. For example using a smart board now eliminates the need to write things out as done in the past with Blackboards. Another example are podcasts that cut back on the lecture time in the classroom in order to engage students in class participation activities. Also, students are more attracted to the use of technology since today’s students are ambassadors of the new technological era of tablets, Turn-it in, Safe-Assign, and virtual education. The use of technology has become a lifeline between teacher and student as it enables quick and open communication, collaboration, accountability and networking.

The ISTE standards provides an inclusive guide for understanding the different roles that technology supports and enhances the educational experience for students. The standard that stands out the most with me is the Knowledge Constructor as it outlines the important ways that research can be performed and how important it is that the research is verified and accurate. Sharing knowledge with others provided it is verifiable and the information has relevance to real word issues, creating theories, promoting ideas is essential to the continued evolution of mankind. The standard that is out of my current skill set would be the Global Collaborator as I am a digital immigrant, my skills are still quite green in the technological communication grid. I understand how vital it is to be able communicate globally and share ideas across the world digitally rather than traveling to another location. There are many methods now for digital communication, such as facetime, open voice meeting, etc. I expect to learn a great deal about the use of technology in this class.

My situation is unique as I am an older student, therefore I am considered a digital immigrant but I still have an opinion to share and fell that the term digital native is appropriate as the more recent generations have been born into an era of technology where this is the only way they have known. While the other so-called immigrants have had to go through the acculturation process of learning how to be technologically savvy, thereby changing the way things where done before. For example some of us digital immigrants learn the minimum to get by while the digital natives understand the technology thoroughly. An example would be teacher that refuse to use Blackboard and upload grades on regular basis. This impacts students because they are unaware of how they are doing in a class and this can be the difference between passing or failing. I anticipate catching up with the current technology and being on the same level as my students so that there is an efficient and useful standard being used that allows for the communication between my students and I is effective. Also as a teacher being on their level of technological use can only enhance their learning experiences.

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@andeslay1

My past experience with technology continues to evolve. I work well with electronics, however my computer skills need improvement. I also continue to be challenged by the internet and how it can draw you in with so much information. I am aware that everything that is on the internet is not always a good source of information, therefore the source must always be verified as  reputable and credible.
Expect to learn everything that I can and use it to help me improve all the areas that I can regarding the use of technology in education.
Just the basics skills, maybe not that bad, but still I'm going to need a lot of help! I hope, learn a lot, and get into a fascinating world of computers. Unfortunately, not every one had the opportunity to born in the technology environment, my learning style is more balanced to be active, I retain more information on a specific topic by getting my hands-on. I prefer facts, and solve problems, be practical, we live in a REAL WORLD, don't  forget that. I know we don't have enough time in class, but working in groups, is going to be a great help.