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Teachers and students alike are being influenced and encouraged to use technology in the classroom in this day and age. Technology is actually expected to become a part of the curriculum; standards for learning include the testing of technology skills. Organizations and objectives such as the Partnership for 21st Century Learning and even Common Core require technology skills to be a large component of the modern classroom (Lever-Duffy & McDonald 4). Students use technology to touch upon the different types of learning that take place in the classroom. They are influenced by technology’s ability to “reinforce learning,” to “address diversity,” and many other aspects (Lever-Duffy & McDonald 33). 

For myself, the same ISTE Standard that is meaningful to me is also a little outside my current skill set: Creation and Innovation (ISTE Standards). I think that using technology for creation and innovation is one of the most beautiful aspects of it! There is so much information and so many opportunities to use existing works and to create our own. However, I also feel as though I am unaware of all the ways to access such information. A part of this Standard is to “Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues” which I am unfamiliar with (ISTE Standards). 

I do believe that my generation deserves the label of “digital native.” I have grown up in a world with a heavy emphasis on technology, and have never really lived without the ability to access information quickly and easily through the use of the internet. Even in early elementary school I remember taking tech classes and learning to use things like Paint (on the computer) or listening to audio books through headphones. I also feel as though it is much easier for students my age to pick up new technology than it is for teachers, and that is simply because we have always had it. I’m sure that in the future, my students will be able to use their technology such easier and faster than I will be able to, as well.