Tech TimeTeaching Digital Natives

Someone who is young enough to have grown up in a digital world. It is usually assumed that digital natives are confident, experienced computer users.

What is a digital native?

Not always. Many are technologically illiterate, just as many born after Gutenberg invented the printing press have not been able to read or write.

Are they computer literate?

Reasons for illiteracy

Print Illiteracy

Access to education blocked because of prejudice or poverty

Available education doesn’t accommodate disability

Technology Illiteracy

Access to education blocked because of prejudice or poverty

Available education doesn’t include technology instruction

Students don’t have adequate access to technology

With school access. . .

Print Illiteracy

Unequal education still teaches basic literacy skills

Tradition offers many examples of creative students & teachers circumventing poverty to become literate

Technology Illiteracy

Unequal education results in students not being taught skills inherent in technology literacy

Many of us are searching for ways to bridge the digital divide. Will we be successful?

Little or no technology education available Inadequate access to technology Both education and access are unavailable

Inadequate Access Can Mean:

Yes and no. Tech Time CAN help families which have the

means to access technology, but not adequate understanding or confidence to meet educational demands.

Tech Time does NOT address problems of unequal access to technology.

Is Tech Time a Helpful Response?

Provide direct instruction Focus on skills necessary for academic

success Teach students to produce their own content Teach students to evaluate what they read\

watch Reach out to the entire family

During Tech Time we. . .

Inaccurate perceptions of the community Inaccurate perceptions of library

administration, staff, and trustees Your library’s technological infrastructure Engaging the children’s attention in a public

library setting Self-doubt on part of instructors

Challenges of Tech time

Educate Advocate Plan engaging lessons Trust your families & communities—give

them time to spread the word Work with partner

Responses to Challenges

Ex: Tree Octopus Lesson

http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/

Link for Tree Octopus

Had an intriguing title (Tech Time: Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus)

Started with an engaging premise Appealed to tween inclination for pranks Empowered them to feel knowledgable Also taught valuable skills

This Lesson:

With questions With ideas for instruction or advocacy jsalt@mtpl.org http://librariesforall.weebly.com/

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