Undeniably, the world has continued to evolve following the consistent technological advancements and believe me, there is no stopping! With the advent of the Web, young people have become 'technologically-wired', preferring texting and instant messaging over phone calls, blogging, social media sites, and e-mails over letter writing, spending more time playing video games, creating videos, and sharing photos with friends online. This has had effects on their learning experience in schools, which are still stuck with the traditional classroom set-up and teachers who have not been able to keep up with the demands of their 21st century learners.
According to Schrum & Solomon (2007), "technology affects how students live and communicate and when, where, and how they learn ..... Having digital technology at their fingertips all the time means that students think, work, and play differently from previous generations" (p.27). Unfortunately, this has not been their experience in schools as their needs have still not been met. Their teachers (mostly digital immigrants or tourists) have made no advancements in their teaching strategies. Just like in the traditional classroom, teachers still play the role of experts while students are forced to be passive listeners.
Today's world is in need of divergent thinkers- people who think critically and do not believe in 'one' right answer. In 2009, Gilbert posited that " if all we are skilled in and duly rewarded for is the one right answer then we seriously narrow down our creativity and significantly reduce the opportunity to use the tremendous power of the human brain to take amazing cognitive leaps sideways in many different directions at the same time" (p. 43). Hence, students need to be given opportunities to create and work collaboratively, which are what they already do at home, thanks to technology.
As I read through the materials, I could not help but wonder whether or not using technologies liberally at home actually imply that kids use technologies appropriately. Are they adept enough to handle cyber bullying, predators and criminals? Prensky (2006) stated that "...with this increased online communication comes the dangers of predators and criminals-which are real-but the Natives are not about to let that spoil their party.... they have begun to create and evolve online reputation systems to keep themselves and their friends safe- or at least safer- in the digital world" (p.42). Somehow I feel Prensky's assumption is somewhat overstated. In as much as the Natives have been creative in their use of the Internet, what percentage of the Natives uses the Internet positively?
Personally, I would not call myself a native neither am I an Immigrant, however I am closer to being a native, as I am open to innovation and I love technologies and to a great extent promote critical thinking and creativity. As a learner, I was not given the opportunity to take ownership of my learning, I wish I did, I want my students to. I want my students to use their digital innovations positively. I believe this is where teachers should come in. "Students need to be taught from an early age how to evaluate the links they come across and how to use them wisely" (Vacca, J.,Vacca, R.& Mraz, M., 2011, p.39).
Schrum & Solomon (2007) pointed that "many students cannot afford 24/7 access to technology" (p.26). This is another issue that came to my attention from the readings. We have students whose parents cannot afford 24/7 Internet access- students from low socio-economic backgrounds, homeless kids, orphans, and students in the 'so-called' third world countries. As their peers advance intellectually and in creativity, they remain stuck where they are and may find it hard to adapt in their society. They have no access to technologies at home or in the streets, if they go to school at all; they attend poor schools that cannot provide them the technological knowledge they need. What would become of them? How would they survive this century? How can they be helped? I wonder.... I still wonder..... I perhaps would keep wondering!
Below is a short video depicting the gap between digital immigants and digital natives, and presenting the needs of the natives. Enjoy!
References
Gilbert, I. (2009). Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it's the only idea you've got. Why do I need a teacher when I've got Google?: things every teacher should know (pp. 42-46). London: Routledge.
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Students and learning. Web 2.0: new tools, new schools (pp. 25-44). Eugene, Or.: International Society for Technology in Education.
Prensky, M. (2006). The emerging online life of a digital native. "Don't bother me Mom, I'm learning!": how computer and video games are preparing your kids for twenty-first century success and how you can help! (pp. 40-51). St. Paul, Minn.: Paragon House.
Vacca, J., Vacca, R. & Mraz, M. (2011). Content area reading: Literacy and learning across th curriculum (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
I really like how you brought up the point that not all students have 24/7 access to the Internet. I have several students who don't have a computer let alone internet access. So how can I possibly be expected to transform my classroom if not all students have access at home?
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DeleteI guess we just have to do our part. I think as long as teachers teach these students to use technologies, they would figure a way out. I am Nigerian and back home, schools are not technlogically equipped as they are in the US. I attended a private school both at elementary school and high school. All through my study years, my schools never had a computer lab, my teachers never used the computer- I don't know if they even know how to. The only computer knowledge I had then was the parts of the computer, which is the only thing my teachers were able to teach. Even in college, in my undergraduate years, most of my Professors were not computer literate. Almost all I know about the internet, I learnt by myself. Having siblings who loved technology also helped since we were able to get internet access at home. Not everybody has that priviledge!My husband who is technology-crazy has also been very helpful. The point is, as long as schools are well equipped technologically, and have good teachers, students will do well and adapt. My main concern is for those who do not have the priviledge of good schools and technology at home.
DeleteThat is a concern of mine too. I work at a school where over 80% of our students are on the free or reduced lunch program. While the majority of our students have cell phones, I would estimate only just over half have a computer with internet access at home. So while they are considered digital natives, they do not have access to all this great technology, and that is why it is so important for schools to be teaching it; otherwise, they will be left behind. Last year I made a video tutorial on how to check out e-books from our new Overdrive subscription. I had one student not on a computer, and I told her I wanted everyone to watch it, then practice. She looked so sad and said, I don't have a computer at home, so I won't be able to do it; I was excited to tell her next year all students will receive a Chrome book that will be theirs to keep. Her face lit up, and she happily got on a computer. It's especially important for schools that serve low income students to find funding and grants to be able to teach these kids.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. As long as schools provide them with all the technology help they need, they would be okay. I am only concerned if they have zero technology access-none in school,none at home. With the world changing, how will they survive?
ReplyDeleteI think that since many of our students don't have the technology at home they crave it even more at school! How frustrating must it be to sit in a building with internet access but not be allowed to use it during school hours?! It has been interesting reading the articles concerning the benefits of social media (like Twitter) because our school is one of the many schools that blocks social media. The point is to keep students from being distracted during the school day and to minimize the temptation to update a status during math class however the readings have me thinking about whether that is just the easy way out. There must be a way to teach students to use the technology better and therefore maybe allow its use in certain instances. With the discussion of technology I feel like I am constantly walking a thin line of reality of the situation and idealism but I do think it is worth looking into!
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