Digital Natives

DIGITAL NATIVES

 

The term digital natives derives itself from those born in what we are calling Generation X or the touch generation, simply put, it refers to the children born into the world with all the readily available technology that we have. In Saying this, I feel as a student in a teaching degree, that I  must adapt to all the changing technology. This in return will help me to cater for the students I will one day be teaching myself in the future. Technology can assist learning but at the same time hamper it if not fully understood and used correctly.

It is highlighted in the article that as educators we should look to make education similar to the way a student lives their everyday life. Education plays one of the most important roles within a child's life, so with the use of technology and its correct integration into the learning process we can look to benefit the children of the future and make for better schooling. Many educators will still argue against this point, this is because not enough research has been completed to give the evidence of just how well technology can benefit schooling. However, if we ourselves do not understand how it works how is it possible for us to use it to our advantage in the learning process. Incorrect use of these new technologies could in fact have a negative impact on students and not prepare them for the necessary parts of their lives.

Within the article is was also highlighted that many students these days have some device they carry with them such as mobile phones, iPads or laptops. Information such as this tells us that students are surrounded day in and day out with technology whether it be around friends, at home , in public or at school. In the article it is said that the location and importance placed upon technology plays a role on how the child will see that technology. Is it being used for education purposes? or recreational purposes? A good example is that of a child who is allowed freedom to use technology how he/she wants, this child may excel in its use as they gain enjoyment from it, where as a child who is only allowed to use technology for education may dislike using it, as they do not receive as much enjoyment. This is where one must step in as a teacher, the teacher will be the reason behind a lesson being engaging and exciting or dull and boring. The teacher must attempt to cater for diversity.

Through further reading of this article I found that technology can offer something to a child's creative side, in many cases it gives the students more ability to manipulate certain activities they may not have been able to do without technology. Once again in my opinion it falls on the teacher on how well a lesson will run. This article makes some very good points and highlights the importance of technology and relating learning to real life situations. Knowing your students is the way in which you will find the best suit for technology within your own classroom. Look at real life, look into the world surrounding these children and then from that you can best adjust your teaching and learning processes in order to benefit all involved.

Reference:
Bennett, S., Maton, K. & Kervin, L. (2008). The 'digital natives' debate: A critical review of the evidence. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(5), 775-786.