I was very surprise that I am definitely not a technology native. I have taken classes at LCC and MSU but technology is a constant changing area. In the island I was not a “Digital Native”. Our school did not have the technologies now available, which changes continually headset, CD player, overhead projector, TV, Smart board, computer, Laptops and Digital camera to name a few. Now my girls one the other hand have been exposed to most of these things from the Kindergarten until now. At home they have the Wii, laptop, Computer, and DS. I would surely consider them to be “Digital Natives”, and feel that they at the age of 11& 12 would do better than me on that test.
As a parent over the years I have seen digital literacy rising at a super rate. The projects required for classes in the elementary grades as well as the hands on learning have made the girls curious, eager to learn, and to share. In their computer class they try to make a connection with parents. Because of the consistency in their environment school, home, public library they are very good at it. Each successful project builds upon a student’s confidence. Students can also learn and grow from their failures.
With a big focus on using technology for communication kids use it to share ideas and solve problems. It can be used as a place for students to publish their work. And the biggest usage for students is to play. I honestly feel technology can improve students achievement, communication skills, and be a hands on learning tool.
I was not surprised at all that I wasn't a digital native but I definitely share your feelings that technology is a hard area to stay on top of. Every I figure out a piece of technology they update it and I have to start all over again. I still feel like I am ahead of my students at Cumberland because I don't think all of them have computers at home. However, in comparison to the boys I babysit I feel so far behind. They ask me questions about how to do different things on the computer and all I can do is go through all the options I can select and hope that one of them will jump out at me as the answer. It's frustrating and I don't know that I will ever get one step ahead of the kids but it would be nice if I could just keep up.
ReplyDeleteWith that said it is important that as teachers we learn about the district that we are planning to work in.Even the specific school. It can be very frustrating if our students are so far behind or if we cant use what we have been learning to prepare them for their next step in their education.
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