Digital Native

A digital native is one who is very good at picking up new technology, understanding all the features, and putting it all to use. A digital immigrant is one who is not good with understanding technology and who can't really get the swing of how to use and manipulate current, old, or new technology. I believe I am a digital native. I have grown up surrounded by technology and feel comfortable using it. When I got my blackberry I didn't know how to use it, but I took it upon myself to learn all the features and put it to use. As a future educator I believe it is important to know the difference between a digital native and a digital immigrant so that you get a feel for the type of technology learners in your classroom. With this knowledge you will be able to come up with differentiated technological activities that will fit everyones needs.

Back Channel

The back channel we used last week in class was very intimidating to me. I didn't know where to jump in, by the time I read what other people had to say and came up with what I wanted to contribute, the conversation was at another topic. Additionally, I found it very distracting. As I was trying to pay attention in class I would hear people typing away at their computers so naturally I looked at my computer screen to see what people were saying and didn't listen to what was being said in class. I could see this being helpful in a huge college lecture where there just isn't enough time to hear from everyone, but I don't see it being very beneficial within a small group of students (30 or under). I personally don't see myself using this tool within my classroom because I didn't enjoy it and also, I plan on teaching younger children (K-2) so I don't see them being able to perform this task at their age.

Technobiography

Hello Towson ISTC class, my name is Katie Cohen. I am currently a Junior at Towson University majoring in Elementary Education. I am from Long Island, New York and absolutely love it there (although Maryland isn't so bad)! Ever since I was five years old, I had a TV in my bedroom. I quickly learned how to use a remote and control the channels as I pleased. I also had access to a gameboy and a Nintendo 64 when I was younger. Everything was great and I was best friends with technology. However, the friendship slowly faded when my desktop PC computer arrived on my desk. I had no clue how to use this thing nor any interest to learn. Finally, I attended 4th grade computer class and found so many cool games I could play on this gigantic machine taking over my desk and my friendship with technology was restored. I started appreciating my computer more when AOL came around and I was able to talk to my friends on the computer! It was awesome, especially before the cell phone days. At the age of 13 my parents gave me my own cell phone. I loved it, and had no problem figuring out how to use it and how to start calling my friends.
Technology has been a major part of my life since the very beginning and will remain in my life forever. I am constantly getting new devices such as a blackberry, ipod, laptop, dvd player, TIVO, and much more. I enjoy getting new things and figuring out on my own how to use them to the fullest.