GROWING UP DIGITAL 

Hi! My name is Kate Shelton, and today I'd like to share a little bit about my experience with technology in education. I'm 21 years old, so I've experienced technology become increasingly relevant throughout my schooling. Beginning in elementary school, I remember going to the library to take Accelerated Reader tests on the books we read in class. I wasn't the best reader back then, so these tests made me a bit anxious, however I always looked forward to using the computers at school! 

Aside from that, I don't remember much technology use until middle and high school. In middle school, we spent a lot of time in the computer lab working on our typing skills. It was also during this time that most of my classmates and I started getting our first cellphones. This changed the way we communicated, giving us the opportunity to stay in touch outside of school, check our grades through apps like PowerSchool, and practice writing emails. By high school, my school provided each student with a laptop to take home and most of our assignments were submitted on Canvas, a platform I still use now in college. I appreciate how well my high school prepared me for this transition. We rarely completed work on paper and the shift from paper-based assignments to digital work has been fascinating to see. 

When I talk to my parents about my schoolwork, they often remind me how much easier I have it compared to their experiences without technology. My dad shares stories about his college days, where he would have to search through stacks of books in the library to find resources for his papers. My mom talks about the long process of using a physical dictionary to look up unfamiliar words. Hearing these stories, although repetitive, gives me a deeper appreciation for the technology we have today and the way it enhances our learning experiences. We can find out just about anything we want to know by a quick Google search! 

For some perspective, I included a picture of my mom and some of her friends from when she was in college here at the University of Tennessee. This was taken in Massey Hall, which is still standing today almost 30 years later! 

As for the impact of technology on education today, I believe it's crucial for students to advocate for nonprofits like UUNIK Academy to help build computer labs. I'm very grateful for the opportunity I've had in my Public Writing class to campaign for efforts like this. As an elementary education major, I'm passionate about supporting young learners, and I truly believe that having access to technology creates a world of opportunities for our generation. It can help bridge gaps in learning, especially for those who may not have the same resources at home. My experiences have given me a strong foundation that continues to benefit me in my college studies and beyond. Every child should have the opportunity to excel!