Monday, October 13, 2014

Article Reflection: Why Digital Natives Need Help with Technology

Article found here.

This article talks about the idea that children today, often called digital natives, have an innate sense of how to use newer technological tools. It responds to the statement that some have made that the need for technological instruction in schools is unnecessary because children are already "immersed" in it. 

I think the author of this article has a great point. Children are growing up using various forms of technology. However, using many of these tools in ways that are meaningful for learning require more "old-school" skills. Skills like being able to look at information critically, to determine quality and credibility of information they see, and to use alternative tools when their preferred tool is not working for their needs. These skills are often learned in the analog world before they are put to use in the digital world. That may change, however for that to be true students need to be taught those skills explicitly and practice them. 

How important is it for digital natives to receive technology integrated instruction?

Do you think the use of technology starting when children are very young, has any impact on their critical thinking skills, or problem solving skills?

If so, for the good or for bad? 

1 comment:

  1. I think it's important that digital natives receive technology integrated instruction, especially because it's a tool to help reach more students and facilitate more learning. The dilemma is that many teachers are digital immigrants, so the learning curve is steep for the teachers and our students politely wait for the adults around them to catch up.

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