Digital Natives Response

“Digital Natives” are in classrooms today. Many of our students only understand how to do certain things with the use of today’s technology. I teach at an elementary school and while certain types of technology are not readily available to my students (text, blogs, etc) they still see their family members using them on a daily bases and that they do indeed exist. Several years ago, it was unheard of to hear of elementary students getting cell phones but now many of our 5th graders have them. We also use to have to teach computer skills to our students at all grade levels but now we are finding that we can become more technical with our older kids and leave the basics with the younger kids. Our students play many video games but I do not know how much internet gaming they are doing. If they have not started, I am sure it will not be long before they do start.
I believe that we are going to have to go to more computer based programs. We are going to have to bring the internet into the classroom lessons and find new ways to show real life examples of the “old school” material. With the use of Smart boards and possibly educational games we will have to grab the student’s attention to teach the material. Staff development will have to be given to our staff and we will have to get the teachers to get out of their comfort zone and get them to come up with new ideas so that they might buy in to the process. While money will always be a concern for the purchase of new equipment, things will have to be prioritized so that all the equipment can be purchased in a proper timeline. While I do believe that changes in education can be positive. I also realize that not all children learn the same way. Some students will benefit from the new types of technology, while other students might gain the same results from other types of material presentation. Having the different options and the insight to see what our students respond to is most important. I do not think there is one thing that will teach all students. However, I do feel that true “Digital Natives” may benefit from a more technologically advanced material presentation.