konrad digital natives
TRANSCRIPT
Are We Different?A Response to Two Articles
By Marc Prensky
Agree or Disagree?Aspects are true
from both sides
Essentials to teaching remain true
Technology is not present enough in most classrooms
Use technology as a tool to better reach the digital native
ReasonsStudents’ hobbies and interests have changed
greatly
Not just entertainment, but a social standard (Facebook, Myspace, Texting, etc)
Students’ quickness and efficiency with tools and devices are educational opportunities
Most educational environments restrict students from opportunities
Studies on First Year College Students
To assist me with my University studies I want to be able to use…Percent Agree Neutral DisagreeA computer to create documents (e.g. using Word, Excel, PDFs) 94.6 4.4 1A computer for general study 93.8 5.2 1The web to look up or search for information (e.g. online dictionaries, Google) 93.4 5.2 1.4A mobile phone to send or receive text messages/ SMSs 84.2 11.6 4.3The web for other services (e.g. enrolment, sign up for tutes, paying fees) 83.9 12 4The web to access a learning portal (e.g. a 'Course' or 'Learning Management System') 80.9 14.9 4.1A computer to create multimedia presentations (e.g. PowerPoint, Director) 75.4 19.9 4.7The web for instant messaging/ chat (e.g. MSN, Yahoo, ICQ) 74.6 18.7 6.7
Reflection on StudyJust this small portion shows the wide use of technology by students
Shows potential for areas not yet reached by most instructional environments
Other lower used areas would be higher if pushed more in the classroom
Instructional Technology in the Classroom
We, as teachers, need to explore and learn new ways to instruct
Ideas need to be more relevant to the student
We don’t need to compromise our teaching philosophy, we need to recognize the available opportunities
How does this affect my own teaching?I will be taking big risks, both through criticism and possible failure
These are still opportunities to learn
I don’t intend to change the content that students need to know as stated previously
More opportunities to educate is the key
Are students different today than
30 years ago?
Much about the student is different as seen in this
slide
Much about the student is the same, however
I believe the student can be instructed better through using fresh, more relevant
means
ConclusionDo all students need to replace their teachers
with video games? No
We do need to update, however and be more aware of the digital student that is, in fact, our student
The student is most important and we need to embrace the best possible means for their success.