I think I am definitely a digital native. Although there are many new technologies out there that I am unfamiliar with, for the most part I grew up with computers, cell phones, and video game consoles. Now my generation is obsessed with cell phone texting communication, playing "wii," and checking their facebooks.
The part of Marc Prensky's article that I found to be the most interesting was when he discussed multi-tasking:
"Younger learners have been multi tasking since their infancy. Whether listening to music while studying, instant messaging while in the classroom, downloading music while surfing the web, or speaking on the cell phone while writing a paper."
I have done and do all of these things. It really makes me think about our culture and that we are able to do so many things at once, rarely am I doing just one thing ever. I think teachers have to take this into account in their teaching. The generations we will be teaching may have a much shorter attention span to "lecture/recitation" type classes. I think incorporating technology into everyday curriculum is important because although there are many forms of technology that are more of a bother to learning, there are many that can be very conducive to learning in the classroom. Also children need to learn how to use certain technologies because the rest of their lives will include these technologies. I am excited for our class project coming up where we explore a new technology because I think this will be very important in my future classroom.
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I agree that I am a digital native. Our generation has grown to know cell phones, Laptops, Wireless and many other resources that connect us to the world. I felt the part about ADD and attention span is really common in our schools today. I see a lot of kids who are overexposed to technology that brings information instantly. This makes it difficult for students to sit for long periods of time looking at overheads and reading out of "books". The new generation has the ability to access books and articles that the teacher assings or simply has the students look for. It opens doors for parents who are looking for methods to help there children at home and get them to be interested in homework and reading.
ReplyDeleteAll of the technologies that i have grown to know are important in many ways but a way to best utilize them is for students who are behind and or having trouble with the lessons in class. Since kids can now access things like SKYPE and Video google they are able to get fast information and watch lessons the teacher puts on the web. Its a great way to help education exceed at all levels.