The Digital Divide II

There are many possibilities and problems presented by the different learning styles brought on by the technologically sound digital natives. The biggest problem is the misconception by teachers that students learn in the same manner as they did. However, with neuroplasticity and malleability the learning styles of today's digital natives (students) differ from the digital immigrants (teachers). Neuroplasticity occurs when the brain is stimulated. Depending on the source of stimulation received the brain can change. Malleability occurs when different experiences change the thinking patterns of the brain. These two factors have changed students learning styles and posed a problem for immigrant teachers. The difference in styles has grouped communication into two styles; legacy and future. Most digital immigrants communicate with the legacy style which includes traditional curriculum. Unfortunately, today's students are mostly future learners who use technology in numerous different ways. It may be difficult, but I believe that this digital divide can be bridged.
Teachers must consider the methodology and the content of their lessons. Teachers must facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. One possibility to change the methodology is taking advantage of the fact that most learners today crave interaction. Students need to use creativity and innovation to construct knowledge and develop innovative products. They should be encouraged to create original works as a means of expression. Another possibility to incorporate learning styles of the natives is in the fact that they are used to receiving information fast. This makes them very fluent in the application of using digital tools to access information from a variety of sources. A third and final possibility is the fact that most natives work best when networked. The students are able to communicate and collaborate with peers and educators using digital media and communications networks.
My problems with the technology gap have occurred from the other side. Myself, being an immigrant find many technological devices to be difficult and time consuming. It is sometimes faster for me to write something down, or physically manipulate it rather than learn a program or how to use an expensive device. I do feel that technology is a language, but I always wanted to learn Latin. It is foreign to me, but I must resist the urge to deny myself and my students the ability to learn through the use of technology. I need to learn how to design and develop digital aged learning experiences for my students. With a willingness to learn and a little time I believe I can bridge my technological gap with the digital natives.

Digital Dilema

In Mark Prensky's article Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, he makes many good points about teaching today's youth. I believe that he is right that students are radically changing. The gap between teacher and student has always been there. Our culture and society are constantly changing. However, the gap has never been wider than it is today. The technology that our children are growing up with doesn’t even come close to what we had as adolescents. Children have access to the internet; teenagers are plugged into ipods or cellular phones all day. This is the era of personal immediate gratification. The gap is growing. Teachers must attempt to bridge that gap. Technology must be learned.
This may not be a simple task though. Just as every student has individual learning styles, so do teachers. And learning in a mode that is completely foreign may be difficult. So, teachers must be diligent in learning technology, especially if it is foreign to them or difficult to master. It is necessary for teachers to utilize technology in their classrooms. Technology fits in to every aspect of education across curriculum. Teachers must learn how this technological information is processed and adapt lessons and concepts. Technology should be used for all disciplines.
One point Prensky makes is that learning should be fun. With technology the world is at a student's fingertips, teachers should be able to lead the way and teach technology so it doesn’t get abused in the future. Education expands technology. It's time teachers start to use technology to expand education.

Power Point and NETS

There are many themes supported by both the NETS for teachers model and the first chapter of Clear and to the Point. Both put an emphasis on learning and the behaviors of a learning student. Kosslyn uses the prospects of learning to promote understanding and memory. He believes that you can not ignore the key facts of learning. These facts of learning help students comprehend through diverse learning styles in the NETS model. NETS also put an emphasis on using learner centered strategies, whereas Kosslyn states in his Principal of Compatibility that the message is easiest to understand if its form is compatible with its meaning. Another theme discussed in both pieces is the Principal of Appropriate Knowledge. This principal states that communication requires prior knowledge of relevant concepts, jargon and symbols. This concept is reinforced in the second standard of the NETS model. The standard states that a teacher should design or adapt relevant experiences to promote student learning. Through these experiences the student gains knowledge and understanding.

Claymation project and NETS

There were many aspects of our Claymation project which addressed the NETS for teacher's model. The project facilitated learning and creativity. Not only did we learn to use technology, but were encouraged to be creative in the Claymation process. We were required to use new technology and coordinate the linking of technologies. Working in groups helped to address citizenship and responsibility. My group was able to utilize their skills by using styles that worked best for them. And we showed responsible social reactions within the group. We engaged in growth by exploring the creative side of technology. This helped us all to learn through each other. We also had to infuse technology, participate in decision making and learn the leadership skills of the others within the group. This is an excellent project to utilize many of the aspects of the NETS model. It fosters numerous learning opportunities regarding technology and working with others.