Week 1 Reflection:
I would classify myself as a digital refugee. I was born around the time of other digital natives, but surrounded by digital immigrants. I have gone back and forth among cultures my entire life. I like technology, but do not completely embrace it. I am more comfortable in the world of an immigrant, but maybe that is because I was raised and taught by them. If I had had the experiences a digital native now has access to, I wonder if I would feel more comfortable in that classification.
I observe the teachers I work with who would be considered digital immigrants. Some are more open than others to “losing their accents”. Some embrace technology, although at a slow pace, wanting to connect to their students through it. Others are very set in their ways, not wanting to upset their apple carts.
When I reflect on my own teaching, I see that I am more likely to jump onboard the technology wagon and try it out. Win or lose, I know that my trying will help my students to see that failure is not the end and technology can be a learning tool, in some way. Among my peers, I guess I would be considered a digital native, however, the little technology experience I have makes that a conspicuous statement.
As an educator, these observations tell me that my being involved in this class, and, in the larger view, this program, means I am on the right path. I am willing to learn and grow in regards to this area. I need to immerse myself in my “digital native” culture and start connecting to my students better in this way. I am not sure if I am a digital native, pretending to be a digital immigrant, or the other way around, but I need to start identifying myself as a native and embrace my culture. My students need to see a positive example of technology being used safely and appropriately. I can teach more than English with this new mindset.
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