Digital Literacy

I am what society considers a "Millennial" and grew up with early technology in my classrooms. In my elementary years the most technology I recall was the use of projectors and the few computers in the classrooms where we mostly used learning games and Word Processor. It wasn't until Jr. High and High School where I began to see more technology being incorporated into the classroom as well as the beginning of social media. I feel fortunate to have grown up when I did. I learned how to find and use resources without the easy access a phone gives us today, but also learned how to use computers and technology in their beginning phases. I feel this has helped me adapt to the ever changing technology and gave me a strong foundation of problem solving and critical thinking skills in the realm of technology.

Today, in the 21st century, I would describe myself as a life long learner who is most dependent on technology and peer-peer learning. My education gave me the skills to access information through a multitude of sources, including the internet. Because of the accessibility, I find the internet to be the most useful way of finding out information I do not know. I am on my phone all day long using both the internet and social media. I find it easiest to use the internet to find out new information, but I also like to learn through talking with other people. The art of listening can teach you a lot and open many opportunities for you. I hope to instill good listening skills in my future students.



As a soon-to-be elementary teacher it is difficult to say exactly what kind of 21st century teacher I am, but I would say it is a combination of using traditional strategies while incorporating the latest technology that today has to offer. I want to create a classroom that is learner-centered where creativity, collaboration, community, and globalization inspires my students to learn and ask questions. Today's children are growing up in a revolution of technology where they can easily access any information within seconds. While having easy access to information is great, we must teach our students how to understand this information and be able to apply it to the real world. 

Through technology, I want to create fun, engaging, and inspiring lessons where students are learning from each other and collaborating with one another to problem solve real world problems. Earlier in my credentialing program, I learned what Project Based Learning is and am excited to incorporate it into my classroom. This is a great way to build collaboration, communication, presentation, and critical thinking skills. These are all skills that our students will need in order to navigate and be successful in today's workforce. Not only does technology advance student skills, but it is also a great tool for educators to use to differentiate curriculum to the various types of learners. I hope to facilitate a 21st century classroom that uses new technologies as well as give my students the skills and resources to gain knowledge through traditional strategies and resources.