Overview
In the article, Listen to the Natives, Marc Prensky encourages educators across the country to step out of their comfort zone, abandon the old ideas of content oriented teaching and let the "digital natives" learn from the technology they are so adept at using. He argues for the inclusion of modern technology in every level of learning, pointing out that other countries are already using cellular phones as learning tools while we are banning them in public schools. Prensky goes on to say that effective teaching must include collaboration with the students since they have a stronger grasp on current technology. Doing so would give flexibility and adaptivity to instruction, thereby capitalizing on every student's individual needs.
Quick Reference Points
1. Students generally have a far better understanding of current technological advances than do their teachers.
2. Letting students learn electronically would provide the engagement and motivation that is lacking in present day schools.
3. Since computers, calculators, MP3 Players, camera phones and the like are extensions of a student's brain, evaluating them without these tools does not make much sense.
4. Programming is a key skill that most students already possess but should be allowed to have their knowledge expanded through a peer-led or expert taught class.
5. Most of the real learning happens after school, when students are allowed uninhibited access to technology.
6. Students are becoming more active consumers of their education and their voice is resoundingly clear - the old ways are unacceptable. A technology oriented classroom and curriculum is needed if students are to remain engaged within the confines of a school building.
Reflection
I found this article quite interesting and some valid points were made. However, teaching in rural Alaska, the meaning of native issues is quite different. Students out here would hardly refer to themselves as "digital natives." Most do not have computers at home, some do not have phones and, of course, there are no mobile phones. But their desire to use computers is obvious, even though they lack many of the skills mentioned in the article. I am glad for this, because even though I continue to be amazed at the innovations in technology, I still have a tendency to keep it at bay. One of the reasons I moved out here. I am the educator the author kept generally referring to. I do not think a computer can compensate for the human connection and I do not think that students should have unlimited access to anything they want. They would have a hard time integrating into the working world, where that is hardly the case. Much can be learned and accomplished using the tools of technology, but a balance must be in place between learning from people, books and nature and the new ways of technology.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
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