Blog Journal #5

     My early experiences with Twitter was with the comedy content that is offered as wel as feeling a connection to the world through the distribution of news. I deleted the app after I was unable to truly grasp how it worked and wasn't getting much out of it. I think there are so many ways within Twitter to see the unique learning opportunities, through interaction with educational accounts, teacher's accounts and other features, I believe Twitter can be exceptionally useful for educators. In the future, I would like to utilize Twitter to create my own content that could be helpful for other teachers, such as daily tips or motivation, and to continue to keep up with news updates. 

    The digital divide can affect students' success in schools based on how important technology is to instructors. If technology is widespread in the area and the few that do not have access to technology can be provided access, the digital divide might have fewer negative impacts on students. However, it could potentially affect students that aren't as used to using technology in the way that it takes them longer to grasp the ability to use a computer to complete an assignment. The causes of the digital divide are a result of poverty and less access to resources. As a teacher, it is important to allow students to complete homework involving technology in a way that is not inhibiting their success if they do not have access to it and to be aware of the lack of those reasons for certain students. In addition, teaching students technological skills every so often to ensure that they have the opportunity to learn if they are not surrounded by technology is essential to closing the gap.

    The first piece of academic software I would like to use with students is Kahoot! It is so easy to use and can be a fun way for students to practice vocabulary or concepts with their whole class. The second piece of academic software would be some sort of to-do list website where students can look at the week ahead, such as Google Classroom. Students would have the opportunity to complete assignments online before class starts or on paper depending on their preference/capabilities, but it would be shown to them in class every day to remind them what is due that day and the next and what is due in the future. I like that it is easy to use and understand as well.