Initial Blog Post

1. What is digital literacy and why is it important? 
Digital literacy is ones ability to navigate the digital world.  What I mean by that is being able to use technology as a tool in day to day life whether that be searching for desired information, using the digital world to create things, or even being able to use technology for entertainment honestly the list could go on and on.  In addition to being able to use technology as a tool it is important to know how to be courteous to others online.  Digital literacy is important because human beings now use technology on a day to day basis.  We use it in the workplace, at school, at home, almost every where we go.  Because we use it so much it is important that we know how to use it correctly in order to take advantage of the opportunities technology provides.
2. What should students be able to do with technology?
Personally, I believe students should be able to use technology to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.  It is our job as educators to give them the tools to get what they want out of technology.  For example, if a student wants to use a computer program to design a car for a class project even if he has not been taught how to use the program in school he should have the digital tools or skills necessary to teach himself how to use said program.  Students need to know not just how to use technology to get information or for entertainment, but how to create things with it.  
3. Why is it important for us to use technology in education?
Using technology in education is vital to students success in the outside world.  As I have mentioned technology is everywhere and we would be doing students a disservice as educators if we did not give them opportunities to use technology in schools. 
4. What concerns do you have about using technology in education?
The biggest concerns I have about using technology revolve around my own ability.  I feel comfortable with technology but at the same time wonder how I would do teaching students how to navigate a website or program.  I am also not very good at using technology to create.  I'm hoping that's something this class will help with.  
5. What is your current stance on the use of technology in education?
I think it's a necessary part of education.  It is something that needs to be done to ensure students success outside of school. 
6. What are your goals for this course?
Some goals I have are to really learn how to better navigate technology as a whole.  I also want to learn how to use technology more when creating assessments for students, and how I can use it in everyday life as a teacher.

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