Immigrants VS Natives

       In my last post, I discussed one specific use of technology in the classroom. In this post I will discussing how teachers that are not natives of technology are capable of using technology in the classroom to teach students that are natives of technology.  

       I recently read a few Prensky’s articles. These articles talked about digital immigrants and digital natives.  From what I know about distance learning and from the articles, distance learning should not be catered to digital immigrants. Distance learning is designed to be a successful tool or resource for digital natives; however I do think that digital immigrants can learn using distance learning. Distance learning is supposed to use the material, software, and technology that our students (the natives) are familiar with. These students are connected to technology 24/7. Distance learning is way for these students learn material in a way that they can relate to.  The immigrants need to adjust the way they teach and accept the fact that this is the way of the future and that this is a way the digital natives can learn and succeed.

         Distance learning experiences need to be created in a way that they facilitate digital wisdom. Digital wisdom is when you having meaningful learning taking place along with incorporating the use of technology. The technology has to be used in a way that enhances learning. Technology needs to help engage students and make it easier for them to make real work connections. These connections that can be made will allow the students to truly understand the concepts that are being taught. Technology cannot just be used because it is a form of technology. It has to have a real life connection and meaning behind it to make facilitate digital wisdom. In another article by Prensky, he states "Cultivating digital wisdom in education - and not just digital knowledge or digital fluency - is crucial for all of us." This is exactly what needs to happen with education!

 

         Distance learning can incorporate empathy and passion between instructors and students through many different online sources. Students can make connections to other students and instructors through discussion boards, Google docs, blogs, wikispaces, emails, texts and any other form of online interaction. Students are familiar with this form of communication, actually they probably prefer it. They probably be more comfortable asking for help though a text or email compared to in person. Granted these forms of communication cannot replace person to person interactions, but it is a way to create empathy and passion in a distance learning environment. 

         Look for my next post where I discuss many different successful uses of technology in the classroom. All of these uses are ways that digital immigrants can incorporate technology into the classroom!