Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants

There is most definitely a disconnect between what have been named digital natives, those who have grown up immersed in technology, and those of us that are called digital immigrants, people struggling to catch up to the digital phenomenon.  After watching an interview with Marc Prensky (Interview with Marc Prensky), I definitely agree that there needs to be a balance between the teaching of essential skills like linear reading and writing and the usage of technology in the classroom.  If we, as educators, fail to connect with today's youth by ignoring the importance of using technology in the classroom, then we are failing our children and simply not preparing them for the future.  Teacher's need to continue to strive to progress digitally and incorporate technology into their regular and daily classroom routines.

I loved the Open Letter to Educators (Open Letter to Educators) by Dan Brown.  I found him to be interesting and convincing.  The fact that he dropped out of school because he felt like his school was getting in the way of his education was thought provoking.  Have the needs of our students (particularly the older ones) changed so much that teachers are simply not prepared to educate them?  I don't believe so.  I think that by using the same skills and teaching methods that educators have used, but altering them to make them more current, our children can be reached, ignited, sparked and encouraged to learn.  We have to use the tools that are native to them, that they are comfortable with and that they enjoy using, to make them excited to take on the challenge of school.  We have to make sure that the way we are teaching is in line with the skill sets that our children will need in the future.  Technology is definitely a huge part of that!

In my video, a high school student, Ryan is frustrated with the way his teacher, Ms. Jones, is teaching her class.  She simply is not up to date with current technology.  Ryan confronts her and challenges her to make assignments that are more digitally creative.

Ryan Confronts Ms. Jones