Blog Post #4:

My experience using tools like Pinterest, Instagram, is mostly beneficial. I learned a lot from people posting their experiences and knowledge. It also includes a lot of historical information and interesting facts, that have to be fact checked though for accuracy.  It also helped with my Personal Learning Network by helping me connect with friends and organize hangouts and study sessions for mental health as well as learning.  I have been interacting with a lot of groups that present historical information for my own learning, as well as a lot of study tips. I also interacted with content creators that are interesting for me and my future development. I also explored some content made by teachers to see if the field interests me. The platforms will be very beneficial in my future, as I will get more connections and networks that I would have to maintain and connect with people.  Also more professional websites such as LinkedIn, and  Microsoft features and Adobe apps. 

Growing up in my early live I was digitally poor, I did not have access to a phone and only accessed technology true computer websites. I never learned digital literacy in my early life and was behind many of my peers on applications such as Instagram, how to use a phone, or computer.  Over time in my Middle school and High school years I learned more and more about how technology works and how to interact with it. Especially for school and studies. I also learned more about the mainstream media and how to interact in more detail with my phone.  The early experiences did not support my technological development, but I had to learn technology over my years in higher education. In college I was mainly prepared with technology other than some extensive knowledge about technology. I can use computer and anything needed for schoolwork easily, but I wouldn't say I am advanced in my knowledge of technology. In my early development I could have learned more about how technology works, and more extensive knowledge about how to use it. Rather than just enjoying the media from sites such as Youtube or videogames. 

In my future classroom I would implement tools that foster student learning, such as websites of Khan Academy, IXL, Kahoot for engagement, and other such sites that connect knowledge and technology. I would also try to teach my students the basics of technology and be open to hear if my students don't have technology. I will try to teach them basic word applications, how to best use the computer, and how to do research on the internet the best way possible.  I would use these tools in my class because technology is inescapable in todays age and so its best to align with it and use it to engage the students rather than avoid it. I will try my best to make sure the students are not distracted by their phones or laptops when they are learning. I would use technology for homework for students, especially if it allows to practice. In classroom I will use technology for a project about our class topic, that could be created creatively or using google slides or work for more formal writing. This will allow a student a choice as well as an ability to explore the capabilities of the internet and computer.