I first touched a computer when I was six or seven years old. It was a basic computer, it didn't have internet. I do not remember vividly how my initial experience with that computer went. I just know I probably was not using it for its intended purpose. I do however remember me being so mesmerize by it's functions. I had no clue how to work it and spent the majority of the time on it, typing really fast as I imagined I was a lawyer or banker.
The computer came with an Encyclopedia set my mother bought for my family. Its so ironic how much money she spent on a set of Encyclopedias that in 5 to 10 more years would have been free on the internet. She was the only one that actually used it. She was going to college at the time, so all I remember was her typing tons of papers on it and saving her info on floppy disks.It was not until 1998 that I remember getting a Desktop Computer with internet. We used Dial-Up, and always had to wait to use the phone if someone needed to use the computer. I used it to serf the web and to play computer games. There was only one computer in the whole house, so we each had a set time when we could use it. This computer came in handy during that time because I had just started one of my first keyboarding classes and needed it to do homework on.
(credit:http://electronics.howstuffworks.com)
As I started moving up through school, it seemed that computer skills were more needed. I was introduced to different software like Microsoft Office. I remember the first time I did a Powerpoint I thought it was the coolest thing and I could not wait to show my parents. During this time, I had to take a State Computer Efficiency Test. As I moved up into High School, knowing how to work a computer was just a normal part of the schooling experience. The Technology and Business Courses I took taught me how to make websites, power points, emails, etc. Even though I felt like I gained a lot of experience from my schooling, it was nothing compared to what students have today.
The term Digital Natives is one that was new to me, even after reading the articles on it. Honestly, I did not grasp hold of what exactly it was until I saw people debating it. From there I was able to get a better understanding of what the term entails.
Before I start discussing what my opinion is on the matter, I'll discuss what a Digital Native is, for all of you Digital Immigrants. A Digital Native is anyone who was born during or before the Digital Age. Although this time period arguably started in the late 20th century, the technology boom in the 90's through the new millennium brought fourth a generation who's day to day lives were immersed in technology. Now, these Digital Native have grown up to know more about computers then there former generational peers.
Anyone who doesn't fall into this generation, or who is technologically illiterate, is considered to be a Digital Immigrant. The following video gives a better look into Digital Natives and Digital Immigrant:
I do not have a concrete answer on rather or not Digital Native exist. I choose to take a moderate role in this decision. If I was to compare the technological savviness of myself in comparison to my parents, of course I would win. But at the same time I cannot assume that just because I grew up with technology, that a person who did not would be less able to operate a computer on my level or efficiency.
I think as it relates to the classroom, it is imperative that the teacher recognizes and agrees with both sides. Even though all children within a class are from the same Digital Generation, you cannot assume that all of the students have the capabilities or the means to do technological directed assignments. The only reason why I was successful using technology in school, was because I had the means, which afforded me the capabilities of learning about computers from home.
So, in this instance I can say that I partially took the side that I believe in, because I also believed in the opposing side. I saw the benefits of both sides, as well as the negatives of both. As future teachers I believe we have to see both sides, because we won't have one type of student. Believing in both sides means that we will make the proper steps in making sure that all students can learn on the same level, without any disparities.
References:
"Blog for a Furture Teacher." Digital Native: I'm Not All For it, September 2011. Web. 7 Sep 2012.
How many times have you heard it, rather it be in the news, school, or in one of the Presidential speeches. Americas education is failing and countries like China, are far exceeding American students in every area; besides confidence. We have all heard it before, and may or may not have an understanding of why there is such a huge educational gap between us and other countries. Most of the solutions to fixing this problem could take years of developing new curriculums and programs, which then will take more time to be tested and changed. So what can we do that is less time consuming, and that can enhance the educational system we have now? The answer is we should build upon one of the only strengths we have now, technology!
Look at America, we've invented Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple; some of the most powerful technological savvy companies in the world. Now look at Americas educational system in relation to technology, it is failing. My technology experience as a grade student range from using every Microsoft program, to creating a website using templates. As a student I was bored, not challenged, and wanted more from my educational experience. Teachers should understand that technology goes beyond basic programs. Technology should enhance, bring clarity, and prepare students for what they would face in this competitive world. By focusing on teaching basic programs like Powerpoint or Microsoft Word, educators stunt the technological growth of its students; this in turn does a disservice for students in the long run.
Technology within the classroom should take up many forms in order to enhance students learning. Students in general have a wide range of technological knowledge before entering the classroom. Rather its tweeting there friends on their iPads, or rather its video chatting a friend a 100 miles away using Skype, students use technology way more today then ever before. Do to this, we have to make sure that we are meeting them where they are at, and then giving them more applicable skills so they can continue to grow. By doing this we can make sure our students are constantly being challenge with hands on learning and new technologies.
The following video goes over how some students are using blogging to enhance there educational experience.
Feinberg, Cara “Rethinking Education in the Information Age: The Research of Thompson Professor Richard Murnane,” Harvard
Graduate School of Education, October 1, 2004. [Accessed at http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/features/murnane10012004.html,
March 2011] Crew, Rudy "Keeping Students Competitive: Using Targeted Communication to Drive Student Success in A Global Economy," Blackboard Connect, 2011. [Accessed at http://www.blackboard.com/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=37d97d28-5320-4a82-a79e-9a9854bc847f, Sept 2012]
Klopfer, Eric, Scot Osterweil, Jennifer Groff, Jason Haas " The Instructional Power of Digital Games, Social Networking, Simulations and How Teacher Can Leverage Them.
