Assignment 1 - Digital Natives

I believe there are some big pluses to including game-like learning within the classroom setting. Where I may differ from Prensky, however, is that I don’t believe in the idea of using it as the sole means of instruction delivered to students of the net-generation (digital natives). As teachers, we all know that every year the makeup of our classes is different. To group all kids into the same category of learner based simply upon when they are born does a disservice to those kids that do not learn kinesthetically. A well-rounded education is made up of more than one mode of learning and I believe it my job as a teacher to ensure that students are just that – well-rounded. To prepare them to be college and career ready definitely includes a technological component. However, there are many more skills they need to learn as well to be ready for the future workforce.

One of the main things that would be lacking from a learning environment focused solely on the gaming aspect is the social collaboration piece that is crucial to success in the real world. Whether students go to college or not, you would be hard pressed to find a job that does not require some sort of collaboration. Working in face-to-face interactions with their peers, students learn how to be a leader and also how to sometimes take a step back and be the follower.

As technology becomes more readily available, especially through 1:1 initiatives that put technology into the hands of each student, it is imperative that teachers understand the use of the technology. These initiatives are great because they give equal access to technology to all kids, not only those whose parents can afford it. However, if the teacher is unaware of how to use it, it will negate the purpose of the initiative in the first place. We all know the pitfalls of implementing new programs or technologies without first receiving proper introduction and professional development around it. Technology has some great applications within the school setting, but by no means is it the only method that should be used.

As a future administrator, I believe one of the most important parts of my job will be to ensure that all teachers (digital immigrants as well) are well-equipped to meet the needs of all of their students. Grouping entire classes (and schools and generations!) of kids into one category that is served by only one means of instructional delivery does not accomplish that task. I see it as my job to help my teachers become comfortable with whatever technology is currently available to help them devise strategies for teaching students about the technology and how to use it safely and effectively, as well as to help them practice creating lessons using the technology that will work for their very specific group of kids.