Class+4+-+Feb+1st

Synthesis of Class 4 - Feb 1st Summary of Article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants By Marc Prensky
 * Today’s students from kindergarten through to college are the first to have grown up with technology in their lives
 * As a result this generation thinks and processes information in a different way than their predecessors
 * The author refers to them as “Digital Natives”
 * Likewise, those who did not grow up with technology are “Digital Immigrants”
 * As a result, educators speak an outdated language; that of a Digital Immigrant
 * To reach students, teachers will have to adapt to their way of thinking and learning

Reflection
 * As always I feel the need to point out that not all young people are digital learners, so what would we call them? Digital misfits?
 * I agree with the author that there are effective and not so effective ways to use technology; the teacher is responsible for ensuring this balance is met
 * While I love technology, I think it’s sad that some kids spend a large part of their lives watching TV or playing video games; this is not the type of technology use we should be promoting
 * There are plenty of ways to use technology in a healthier, outdoor environment (GPS watches for instance)

They use it, but do they know it? As a response to the above article, here is a very interesting clip. It illustrates that ‘digital learners’ may have a very limited understanding of the technology they use.

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Comment on “What Did You Create Today” and Will Richardson Interview The author writes: “As a parent, I think I have every right to expect that my kids are immersed in spaces where learning is loved and enjoyed and shared every single day.”

I would argue that as a parent, it is partly his responsibility to provide this type of environment to his children. As a taxpayer, his children have a right to a basic education.

Of course, we all want schools to provide environments in which learning is enjoyed, but parents need to take responsibility for this also. In addition, instead of constantly pining for something we don’t have, why not appreciate what we do have: a very good education system. media type="custom" key="5746657"

No matter how much we love to knock it, the fact is we are lucky to have what we’ve got. So let’s start from there. Instead of always saying “I want…” or “I wish I had…” how about saying “Wow, I have a lot to work with here. How did I get so lucky?” If we can’t make something out of everything we have now, than no amount of money or legislative changes will ever be enough.

The use of podcasting 1. I would definitely use podcasting in class. For one thing, it makes things interesting for students by introducing a new media. In addition, I can’t think of a better way to provide information to auditory learners. 2. I would podcasting in French class to get students talking. I have also used it in Biology where students were required to produce a news clip about a current even in environmental science. 3. Downfall of podcasting: this technology would not be suitable for students who have difficulties hearing or speaking. 4. Advantage: excellent for students who desire something different from the usual, visual stimuli in class.

Making Movies Making movies is an excellent way of incorporating both auditory and visual components in the classroom. While this is great for any classroom, it can be especially useful in French. By using Movie Maker or Photo story, students can practice both their oral and writing skills. For an example of Moviemaker, see the March 22 page For info on Photo story, see the lesson page for New France