If you are still harboring any doubts concerning the use of technology in the classroom, the article “ Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants” by Marc Prensky is one that you must read.
In the article, Prensky gives a description of digital natives ( today’s learners) and digital immigrants ( today’s educators) and seeks to give a true picture of the teaching/ learning situation that now exists in today’s schools. The author relates the situation to the existence of a “language barrier” between educators and today’s learners. As a result the digital natives find themselves being bored in today’s classroom with many complaints from their digital immigrant educators.
Prensky’s answer to the problem is that today’s educators must acknowledge that the students of today learn differently and that they should adopt methodology and content that are pedagogically effective in teaching them “ digital native methodologies” as he so rightly coined it.
It is truly an interesting article, easy to read with a few laughs guaranteed. Enjoy!
References
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital immigrants, digital natives. On the Horizon, 9(5) p1-6. Retrieved from: http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
I am happy that you came across this article. In one of your earlier postings you identified many problems that exist in the system for integrating the technology. It is true that these problems are real, but we are realizing that because these problems exist, it is causing a greater divide between the digital natives and the digital immigrants, and somehow we have to find a way in which to bridge that gap. I recently did a demonstration using the laptop and a screen in a session I had with a small group of teachers, and I felt proud seeing the technology work. I would encourage anybody to get on board before we are all get left behind. The technology is moving at a very fast past and the reality is is that we can't keep up with it. But guess what the children are.
ReplyDeletePaulad, you are absolutely right. As educators we have to incorporate the technology as much as possible. Even though we have identified the problems associated with fully integrating technology in our educational system we have to show our colleagues that it is needed (Just as you did on your workshop). Keep on practising the skills ,I know that I intend to for as you so rightly said that is the only way that we can keep up.
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