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.