Discussion 1: 

To become a twenty-first century teacher there are three questions that one needs to ask themselves. The first is what roles does technology play in students and teachers lives? Typically, for students the primary role of technology is socialization. In the twenty-first century more and more kids are using technology at younger ages and there are no pronounced differences in technology use between the genders. Sociologist classify electronic use by kids under five as “digital childhood”. But, due to economic, educational, and racial differences there is a gap in technology use. Kids of minorities, in lesser SES households, and with parents lacking extended educational backgrounds show less use of and access to technology. This is known as digital divides and participation gaps. This can cause an issue for teachers of the twenty-first century trying to incorporate technology into their curriculum. “Lack of access to new technologies is a contributing factor to academic achievement gaps”. Although technology has become more accessible to all income level households the availability of technology is not the only differing factor in technology. Even in low income households that have access to technology the quality of that technology is not as recent or advanced as those that higher income families posses. This is another obstacle for teachers. Digital divides forces teachers to put in extra hours, pay for materials and supplies, and lobby policymakers for change. Technology is not only a learning tool in the classroom, but it also can be a major obstacle. Assuming teachers and students overcome these obstacles, teaching techniques and learning outcomes would increase greatly. Surveys of students learning outcomes and attitudes towards school have shown that an increase in technology use increases student interaction and involvement, student interest, and student success. Technology is more than a socialization tool for students, and in the twenty-first century technology is a crucial tool for academic success. Teachers need technology to engage students and improve their success. A few things that technology offers is it differentiates instruction to students and offers diverse learning experiences, motivates students, offers access to academic info from multiple sources, and creates group learning situations. Technology is used by teachers in the classroom (presentations and visual tools), by teachers outside of the classroom (blogs and grade posts), and by students inside and outside of the classroom. As a student of the twenty-first century technology is a part of my daily life. Technology is not only an enjoyment and socialization tool, but it also makes school much easier. I have constant access to grades, documents, and academic curriculum. Education today would not exist without technology

Discussion 2: 

The second question to ask when becoming a twenty-first century teacher is what are the twenty-first century skills and technologies? “Twenty-first century skills represent the knowledge and understandings that students will need to succeed in our highly technological, information-based society”. Teachers are expected to convey twenty-first century skills such as thinking critically, making judgments, collaborating with others, and thinking creatively to their students. Believe it or not, technology and twenty-first century skills are directly linked. Teachers can foster students critical thinking abilities through the use of computers, the internet, and even social networks. As a teacher it is important to be aware of twenty-first century skills and twenty-first century technologies. Twenty-first century technologies includes computers, web sites, and web 2.0 tools. Web 2.0 tools are things such as blogs and social networks that are interactive and have the potential to transform traditional learning. Essentially, what technology does is help students be interested in the curriculum and the way that it is delivered, be involved in the discussion in the classroom, and relate to the curriculum and discussion outside the classroom. But, in order to do this teachers need to use twenty-first century technologies, and posses and convey twenty-first century skills and their relation to technology. Twenty-first century technologies and skill are important for educational purposes but also for preparing students for their future careers. Currently I am using and learning twenty-first century technologies and skills that are preparing me for my career in advertising. 

Discussion 3: 

The third question to consider is how can one begin building their digital identity as a teacher. Digital identity refers to technological talents and abilities. Digital identities are built by employees in almost all professional settings. Digital identities are created and developed through the use of blogs, websites, computers, research, and electronic presentations. Daily work, future plans, and professional development are all dependent of digital identities. This basically means that to perform in most professional jobs the use of technology is critical but also a diverse understanding of technology is beneficial. “Three goals important to aspiring teachers and their digital identities are: building a multimedia resume, learning resources and teaching tools, modeling technology for students”. A multimedia resume is important for hiring committees to view. A multimedia resume shows that one posses technologic skills necessary for the twenty-first century. Learning resources and teaching tools are necessary to create engaging class lectures, creating thoughtful assignments, and creating outside access to the curriculum through technology. Modeling technology for students it critical so that students are made aware of the current technology and twenty-first century skills, and so that students are able to successfully use technology to build their own digital identities and are prepared for their future careers. Just like a multimedia resume is important to future teachers it is also important to almost all hiring committees of all careers. As I prepare for my future career in advertising it is required that I build a digital portfolio, and that I possess twenty-first century skills needed in the todays society and an advertising career. 

Rescources: 
Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.