As educational technologists, what did you take away from these generational differences readings? How would you handle a colleague who bought into the notion of digital natives?
I really enjoyed re-reading the Prensky article about Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants. I was born in the late 1980's and consider myself somewhere in-between a Digital Native and a Digital Immigrant. I can use technology with little issue, but I do remember learning how to write an email and when dial up made the squeaky sound as it connected to the Internet. I would rather have my friends watch a funny YouTube video beside me then send them the link because I want to converse with them as well. While I think students during this age learn differently, I don't necessarily think it comes solely from technology. Many families now have two parents who are working and there isn't a lot of homework support at home. In turn, students are turning to technology to help them with math problems they didn't understand or science terms they can't define. Technology is usually more accessible with career driven parents, and instilled in their children's lives because it's there! Whether Mom and Dad are writing emails late into the evening or watching shows on their iPads to de-stress from the day, technology is in the home.
My opinion is a little different regarding the Digital Immigrants. It disappoints me when teachers are set in their ways of doing things and leave little room for adjustments and improvements. I'm not saying technology is the only improvement or adjustment, however, not teaching our students simple tasks like using a search engine or even keyboarding practice is disappointing. Whether we like it or not, the real world is changing drastically and simple tasks require a small amount of technology knowledge. For example applying for a job; applicants used to fill out paper work, leave it with a human resources employee and wait by the telephone for a call to schedule a face to face interview. Now, you can fill out applications online from home or at the location you desire to work. It's sent off to a human resources computer and processed. Sometimes employers (depending on the position) will call for an interview over the phone, request to Skype if the job is in a different town or state, or a face to face interview. We have to prepare our students for the real world. Despite our own opinions on technology and what our students need, they must be ready to succeed without us.
I was born in 1988. I to consider myself to be a part of both. I remember using dial up internet for a few years as well as how cool AIM was. I agree so much with your disappointments. Teachers need to learn to accept change. I get very frustrated when they are so set in their teaching style, but it is no longer benefiting the kids anymore. Everything we do should be for the students and as teachers we need to be preparing them for their future not our future.
ReplyDeleteWe are only one year apart Kelly. I'm glad you can see both sides as well. And I definitely remember AIM, even MySpace... that seems to be ages ago.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you pointing out that the way students learn these days is due to a combination of factors, technology being just one of them. I definitely think the changing dynamics of the home have a significant effect on students.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I can tell when a student comes to school off, and the first question I always ask is- What's different at home?
DeleteWow, I feel old. I was born in '74 when Etch a Sketch was high end! Seriously though I think I have embraced technology as much as anyone I know, both in life an in teaching. I happily think of myself a tech nerd type and I have to agree with you when you say that we have to prepare our students for the real world. So very true. As teachers we should continue to learn about and try lots of approaches to support our students, with and without technology.
ReplyDeleteMy fiance was born in '72 so he can definitely relate! He had a difficult time putting together a PowerPoint after going back to school in his 40s. Luckily his young buck of a girlfriend helped. :) But now he's using an iPad at work and although it took a little time to train he's efficient now. And he works in physical therapy! Just another example of real world technology.
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