Digital Natives, Digital Inmigrants?
After reading the this interesting article I became more aware of my digital inmigrant status when it comes to technology. I learned that I have to become more computer literate by adopting new teaching styles integrating technology in my lesson plans. This process of adopting a new language is not easy and can create controversy; teachers struggle with rapid dissemination of technology and students are frustrated with outdated teachers.
We are studying to obtain our Teaching Credentials and somehow we feel threaten by the technology replacing our jobs due to several different reasons: kids rather sit in front of the computers than listenning to traditional teachers who use to step-by-step instruction and students are able to multi task;computers have a lot more to offer and students'brains are thinking too fast. So, if I analyze all these factors; there is only one option for future teachers. We have to reconsider our methodology and our content to be able to teach digital natives. In my opinion this is definitely a great language with lots of advantages but certainly there are some disavantages such as lack of development of social skills, which are extremely necessary to survive in this world, and the lack of hands on projects that gives each individual the ability to build using their own hands. I think it is up to teachers to preserve the past by encouraging students to interact with each other through the use of cooperative learning groups with integrated technology and group projects that involved hands on activities.
These days, I think every industry is in fear of their jobs being phased out by technology including teachers. In my opinion, teachers can never be replaced by technology. Yes, technology is great. It helps teachers perform their jobs more efficiently and at a higher standard than years ago before some of the technological advances we have seen in recent years.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, many students enjoy technology, there is a time and place for everything. It’s all about finding the right balance of classroom instruction and technology use in the classroom. Just because some students and even some adults are addicted their cell phones, is that enough justification to integrate cell phone use into the curriculum? I think not. Are we doing our kids justice by putting so much emphasis on allowing them to use cell phones in class? In real life, there are many careers in which cell phone use is banned, prohibited and even dangerous. For example, an air plane pilot or emergency room doctor.
Our jobs as educators are to prepare students for successful lives and careers. We as educators need to distinguish between entertainment and education. Unfortunately, school is not always going to be fun and entertaining. Our kids have to learn to focus, and like you mentioned, develop the social skills that will make them have fulfilling lives and careers.