The digital information really has me thinking about our future generations and child development. I had a strong suspicion that pathways in children's brain had to have been changing or new ones being formed since the use of digital devices has become so prevalent, but I never really thought about the parts of the brain being used more or less. I am beginning to understand more on how digital natives are using their brains differently than we are, but also am learning to relate to them differently, now that I understand them better.
I find it interesting how digital natives can be "plugged in" in so many ways and yet seem to be able to function with what is happening around them. I am the total opposite. In order for me to read anything, I need to have total silence and do away with any distractions that may interrupt me. When I begin to work or study, I have this checklist of distractions to deal with before I am able to sit down and do the job I intend to do. I guess this is why they call me the "digital immigrant."
My next wondering is how as a digital immigrant, do I accept so new ways of learning, socializing, and of simply being, when I don't really mind the way digital immigrants function? I do understand that digital natives are "wired" differently than we are, but what happens when I don't agree with a certain way of learning with the integration of technology and would rather do it the "old fashion" way? Am I doing a disservice to my students or am I preserving some learning techniques that are on the brink of extinction? How am I going to know what to keep, what to adapt, and what to adopt? With research in this area being in the infancy stages, how do I trust what I am being asked to do is for the betterment of my students and not to their determent?
I think these questions will be on my mind for a long time to come.
Hi Louise,
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting thought about "digital natives" and "digital immigrants". I don't know if it's the same for everyone though. Some that may be considered a "digital native", but may need a certain environment like you do to do certain work as well.
Just as a "digital immigrant" may be able to do many tasks at the same time, the whole "multitasking" idea isn't just referring to computers and technology. Often an example given is the parent that juggles the responsibility of many things at the same time. I like to give the example of what I saw when I worked at the casino a long time ago. Maybe people were able to dab numbers in bingo as the bingo caller was calling numbers, at the same time as smoke a cigarette, talk on their cell phone and buy coffee from the vendor coming around. It always boggled my mind.
But I understand what you are saying, we are training our brains differently now. I also heard that there were studies done that determined that multitasking undermines efficiency. So, even though "digital natives" are doing more at the same time, it's not good quality...
Steph
Hi Louise -
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that you are continually asking reflective questions about what works, and watching how your students interact and engage with topics is your greatest asset! Your reflexivity and desire to create meaningful learning experiences will never be matched by a robot!