We cannot teach today's children the way we were taught even when we were in school. Technology has been an important catalyst for that change. Today's children are surrounded with technology. They use it every day. I remember when my family first got a color TV, a clunky desktop computer, and a modem to access the Internet through AOL. I am a digital immigrant. I did not grow up with technology. My kids who are in their 20s did grow up with computers and technology. They are digital natives. They are comfortable texting instead of sending e-mails. They access the Internet on their iPhones. They "speak the language". I came to know it second-hand. How many of you are like me? How many of today's teachers are like me? (Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, Prensky, 2001)
It's not about catching up. It IS about being willing to take risks, to try something new. It is also about changing from being teacher-centered to being student-centered--to coaching and facilitating rather than lecturing. It is about recognizing that learning is a social endeavor. We learn best when we share the experience. New technologies such as blogs, wikis, YouTube, Facebook, etc. are about creating and sharing knowledge. How can we tap into that phenomenon? I look forward to reading your reflections.
Please post your comments regarding what kind of pedagogy do we need in order to meet the needs of today's children. How does being a digital native/digital immigrant affect this pedagogy? Make sure you refer to the videos in your response. I am not wanting a discussion of the merits of technology. I am wanting a discussion of learning theories and instructional strategies. Please make sure you click the comment button to respond. Do not create a new post.
A Child-Driven Education
It's not about catching up. It IS about being willing to take risks, to try something new. It is also about changing from being teacher-centered to being student-centered--to coaching and facilitating rather than lecturing. It is about recognizing that learning is a social endeavor. We learn best when we share the experience. New technologies such as blogs, wikis, YouTube, Facebook, etc. are about creating and sharing knowledge. How can we tap into that phenomenon? I look forward to reading your reflections.
Please post your comments regarding what kind of pedagogy do we need in order to meet the needs of today's children. How does being a digital native/digital immigrant affect this pedagogy? Make sure you refer to the videos in your response. I am not wanting a discussion of the merits of technology. I am wanting a discussion of learning theories and instructional strategies. Please make sure you click the comment button to respond. Do not create a new post.
A Child-Driven Education
