Digital Immigrants

Even though I do realize I am one of the Digital Immigrants who is far behind the times with technology, I have recognized that children growing up now have so much more technology than I did as a child.  I remember getting our family’s first computer when I was in the fourth grade.  Now, as an adult, I have always had a computer in my home along with any technology I have on my phone.    

I thought it was interesting to read that children are spending more time online than in front of the television (Solomon & Schrum, 2007)).  I am sure this number will continue to grow as our technology continues to improve and expand.  As educators, we need to recognize this and find ways to engage students using these new technologies.

In the Prensky reading, he discusses how natives will most likely be doing more dating and may even find their spouses online (Prensky, 2006).  This made me smile thinking about my single friends who are still concerned about putting themselves out there on these dating sites.  I honestly admit I would have the same reservations as my friends. 

Our decision makers for education really need to read about what the students need and want for their education.  We hear about other countries and how their students seem to be leading the way in many areas of learning.  This makes so much sense when we look at how our classrooms are set up and what we are expected to be teaching.  While reading what students want, and obviously need to be competitive in life, I started thinking of all of the time that is blocked out for my teaching of the various subjects and how I need to find more ways to integrate technology into their learning on a weekly basis.

References

Solomon, Gwen, and Lynne Schrum. "Students and learning." Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. Eugene, Or.: International Society for Technology in Education, 2007. 25-44. Print.

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.