Week 1 Introduction Letter

Well, "to start the ball rolling," as they say; my name's Ashley Dillard. I just recently turned 22 on our first day of class, Jan. 27th. I am a Liberal Studies major with a history depth of study and a French minor. I seek to teach elementary to middle school students because they are an effective group of students to train, mold and to build into respectable and knowledgeable adults. I have been here in Cal State San Marcos since the moment I left high school in 07'. I started off my school year at Conway Elementary in Escondido, California. I started off as a cougar; that was our mascot. Next, I went to Rincon Middle School which was the bulldog. From there, I went to Escondido High School which was once again the cougar. Finally, I end up here in CSUSM as a cougar once again. Big surprise, right? Haha.
Technology, hmmm. Well, I love technology. I use it on a daily basis; yet, for some reason I am really bad at understanding the terms and workings of a computer. I can get by without really understanding. I just do it. I think technology is necessary and helpful in our world for us to evolve as a society. It helps us to understand the world around us as well as better our lives which begin to become extremely more difficult. My experiences have revolved around computers since I was 14. It really shapes our world and how we function; especially in education. Technology is something refreshingly new and it's really funny how the generation before me; my parents, really do not understand the need for such technology.
The College of Education Mission Statement seems effective and creative in its creation. I really appreciate the statement inferring to 'educational equity'. Everyone should have the equal opportunity at receiving knowledge on technology and using it within the classroom environment. It is necessary to have thoughtful educators seeking to further our knowledge as students in a world that's ever evolving.  Though some of the words seem a bit outdated in use (haha); I still think it fits the description of what a mission's statement should be built upon. I really didn't put thought into thinking that the Mission Statement was my purpose for choosing this class. Overall, technology is necessary in our daily lives and we as educators-to-be need to learn how to use it instead of being afraid of it.