Post #1

When I first heard the term “digital student,” it absolutely boggled my mind. Have we really come this far, that we have to come up with new terminology for the youth of today. Apparently so! I guess I never realized how different children are growing up today, as opposed to when my parents grew up. My mother certainly could not picture life with a computer, and I certainly cannot picture life without one. What I can’t help but wonder is what’s next?

After my first practice test with Windows XP, I learned a few new tricks about some applications. Keyboard shortcuts are amazing! I also learned how to copy an entire floppy disk file into the computer. But perhaps the most important thing I learned is that I am not so behind as I thought. I only got two questions wrong on the practice test, so that means I am in pretty good shape. I may not be able to create my own website, but I can find my way around XP.

My boyfriend asked me today if I am going to be one of those “chalk-and-blackboard” type teachers when I graduate, to which I promptly responded. “YES!” But after further pondering that question, I have realized that that will not be an option for me. The students I am going to teach are going to expect, and likely need, technology in the classroom. They will need me to use PowerPoint slides and online videos and digital graphics to teach them social studies. Regular lecture-style teaching will not be effective. In addition, I will not be able to assign normal term papers, I will need to come up with technologically creative assignments to play to the skills they will need later on in life. I guess I really do need this class!