Digital Natives

Scout27817 said...
I realize we do have Digital Natives throughout our schools today. We have computers in every room, even if its a single one, and many classes are offered to teach these natives more. As an educational leader I will rely on my IT people to provide updates at all staff meetings on products which can facilitate learning via the net for our tech savvy students. I would utilize the Internet to reach parents as my child's teacher has a website on which I can check for notes and homework assignments. I know everything that will occur on any day from lunch to special events, and this could not be done with traditional methods. For teachers, their utilization of the Internet will make teaching easier as one can find all the information they seek on the world wide web. I would ensure they were aware of excellent websites which can relate to either classroom management or specific information on an area they are currently involved with. I know these students are in our classrooms, although I feel my school only has about 40-50 percent of students with web access at home. This can limit communication and place them at a severe disadvantage as I feel the web is an library inside your home. My third grader has an excellent understanding of the computer and knows how to search for something he may desire at the time. I feel we do need to change to better incorporate this excellent teaching tool. Test which can be taken on the Internet are automatically graded which provide the teacher with more instructional or prep time. Utilizing the Internet to answer questions which arise and ensuring the students know of the wonders of this virtually untapped tool for learning are vital in the success of today's student. I worry about the spelling of our children and the "new" language they have learned via texting. I do like the point made by Pensky regarding the only "rule being is to make yourself understood". I feel we will continue to desire proper communication, English, be used but it is wise for today's teacher to learn the many new acronyms used by our students today. Shy students, as Prensky points out, come out of their shell more readily when they have the protection of not "facing" their peers. While this new technology has many benefits for our students, it also helps for us to maintain some control. Posting which never vanish, GPS locator's, ability to store harassing calls or emails, and the ability to prove bullying are all elements which can make it easier for teachers and parents to monitor their students. Facebook postings demonstrating bad behavior are out there for everyone to see and has been used to punish students whom cannot deny what is shown. The web is also an excellent place to confirm information as fiction or non-fiction. Our students and even we adults believe a lot of information we read on the web without checking the facts. Do not believe all the emails you receive until testing them at sites such as Factcheck.com. Every subject, both good and bad, has a place for information at our fingertips. As educators we must understand and utilize this powerful tool, and as administrators we must ensure our teachers have the knowledge to use this 21st tool to educate our students. It can make our job easier, and it is still expanding rapidly. We must grow with these digital natives and keep pace with their growing understanding of the benefits of today's digital world. It has become a new world since I was a child, but one I like because of the Internet. I will ensure proper training of my staff whenever I become principal so we do not under utilize this great tool.
September 21, 2009 6:24 AM





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