In terms of school, teachers taught using paper, pens, chalk and chalkboards. We were taught a lesson in which we were expected to sit down at our desks, listen, and take notes. Then we might do examples as a class and then show what we learned by completing the task individually.
Prensky brings up a very interesting perspective that the younger generations are actually beginning to think and experience things differently than past generations. Younger generations (Digital Natives) are being brought up using and relying on more and more technology in various aspects of every day life. Due to this difference, Prensky argues that the Digital Natives think, experience, and learn things much differently than past generations (Digital Immigrants). Instead of reading and writing from books and using pen and paper, Digital Natives prefer to do everything digitally on some type of device.
Prensky goes on to say the traditional format of education which has not changed all that much over the years is simply becoming ineffective at teaching students who are growing up in the digital era. Students are just plain bored, under stimulated, and not motivated to be engaged in what is happening in the traditional classroom setting.
I am pretty dependent on technology myself. I would be absolutely lost without my phone or laptop. I'm not so much of a tv or gaming person, but I absolutely need my phone and laptop with all the apps and programs that help to keep my life organized. As an adult I use technology to aid in my work, whether it be schoolwork or professional work. But I can also see how technology has become such a prevalent part in a younger person's life as well. Many youth enjoy watching television, playing video games, and using the internet and are used to a very fast-paced way of life.
As a youth worker it is important to incorporate some aspects of technology into the work you are doing with youth in order to keep them interested and engaged in the activity at hand. Times and people are changing and styles and methods should change with that to remain effective.
The video that you posted is exactly what people have become adapted to. I feel that it is sad that they would rather talk to someone through text than face to face. I mean I use texting all the time but I would rather be able to talk to someone face to face then through text. the internet has made it easy for people to become dependent on it because you can find anything on it. it has come to this generation that social media is they feel they learn better that way. the video was a good touch with the rest of your point of view on technology.
ReplyDeleteI agree students are bored in the classroom but i think thats a problem. I don't think they should be bored because they aren't watching tv or playing video games. I think that technology is great but there are skills that don't come from technology that are important as well.
ReplyDeleteI also wonder about how U.S. youth learn/see the world maybe very differently than older generations. There has been brain research suggesting that people's brains are actually wired differently as they are exposed to technology. What future contexts are we preparing students to be successful in?
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with Gabrielle that technology is good in all but there are also other skills that students do not know yet which are how to write in cursive which most if not all of jobs know you need to know how to write in cursive to teach your youth as well as other skills.
ReplyDeleteI am also really dependent on technology myself. Technology has in many ways made our lives much easier and instantly gratifying. It's like something turns on in our brain when we receive a text message or "likes" on our social media. Maybe that is why we are so "addicted" to all these technology. We are getting a " high" that only technology can provide.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is an amazing tool that teachers in classroom situations must utilize. Students are excited by it and this excitement can lead to true learning. Technology is everywhere in our modern world, and this constant technology must find its way into our classrooms. Education needs to be student centered, and utilizing technology is a great way to emphasize the student first teaching approach.
ReplyDelete