Looking
back and forward at history is a very interesting thing. I have not
done any studies or research to make me an expert by any means. After
reading these articles I wondered which side was correct - are there
truly the generational differences that SEEM to be evidenced in today’s
young people? I must admit that I do think (without research - just by
my own observations) that today’s youth are incredibly talented when it
comes to learning, navigating, and deciphering technology. There are
clear levels between my grandparents, my parents, myself, and even my
children in terms of comfort with using technology and how quickly a new
technology is learned.
That
being said, I was convinced by McKenzie’s points against the Pensky
article. His claims are unsubstantiated by any kind of real research or
study. Each generation has differences from the previous generations
that have come before it and technology is not the only area in which
these differences are noted. For example, track athletes continue to
set new records and have accomplished unimaginable feats in their sport
for athletes that were competing decades ago.
In
dealing with a colleague that was convinced of the digital native
argument, I would probably agree that today’s youth are much more
advanced and capable with technology that any previous generation.
However, this gap in achievement is just like in many other fields such
as sports and education. Maybe it is just a typically generational
thing- each generation differs from its predecessor not just in dress
and slang but also in accomplishments. That it is what comes with the
changed world we live in and what is deemed as valuable in society while
we are growing up. Those things that are most important in the society
we live in, get a greater emphasis in our lives from an earlier age and
thus we can see that in the difference from one generation to the next.
So in conclusion, yes this generation is a digital native. I would
tend to say that it is not because they were born with a different type
of brain but rather that the world they were born into is a
technological world. They, like all other generations, have adapted to
the world around them in order to be successful.
As
an educational technologist, I highly recommend that education adapt to
meet the needs and climate of this generation of students - since they
are living in this type of world and this technology is all around them
in every part of their life, it should be a part of their education as
well, even at the expense of requiring teachers to learn and adapt.
Geoff, I don't think you'd find much disagreement over the statement "it should be a part of their education as well." The key is under what circumstances - and that generates a lot of debate. I know in my own field there are those that honestly believe that online learning = high quality learning, and that all of the problems of education can be solved simply through the introduction of online learning. Kind of simplistic and sad when you really think about it.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with online learning has been similar to traditional learning. It has the possibility of being great high quality learning, but it can also be really poor.
DeleteGood teachers are good teachers whether they are online or in person. Technology has the potential to make a good teacher even better, but also can make a bad teacher even worse. Technology is not the deciding factor in quality of education.
I love your last paragraph! It is exactly what I believe. We need to get the technology in the classrooms because that is what our students know. They were brought up in this world where technology is everywhere. We can't ignore that fact.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with your last two paragraphs! I find that each generation builds on the previous one, and right now, that is relating a lot to technology. Just as there are generation gaps related to TV and music, they exist with technology, too. Does thais mean that students have changed? No, they are just accustomed to the world that is building around them--they are reacting to it. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love your last statement, "even at the expense of requiring teachers to learn and adapt." I, would go even further and say "especially at the expense of requiring teachers to learn and adapt." I personally feel that school exist for kids. Kids benefit from proper exposure to technology to increase learning outcomes. Therefore, teachers should learn to use the technology to make the learning more fun and effective for the kids. I became a teacher because I love kids, and I consider professional development a huge part of my job because it helps me do right by them.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and again come back to the idea that different students learn in different ways, and technology is just another tool.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was convinced by McKenzie's article. Perhaps this author should/has taught courses involving research/writing?
ReplyDeleteGeoff, I totally agree with your statement that "education adapt to meet the needs and climate of this generation of students". However, I think it's important again to note that just having technology in a lesson to have it can have very little positive effects on the growth of the students. They may be interested, but are they learning?
ReplyDelete