Listen to the Natives - Article 1

Overview

In the article “Listen to the Natives” Marc Prensky talks about how the youth of today are native to technology and we, as educators, need to take this into account when we are planning lessons and methods of teaching. When a student of today, “digital native”, is communicating with a “digital immigrant”, or someone who did not grow up with technology, there may be misunderstandings. The students of today can adapt to technology faster and understand it better then digital immigrants.

Students could learn faster and more efficiently if they were given educational video games rather then the traditional classroom setting. Teachers also need to bring more technology into the classroom, such as referencing video games as outside examples.

Students should be encouraged to use their digital tools in the classroom as much as possible. They have become a part of them and using them will enhance their education. Guests in the classroom should be brought in to discuss technology with students so they have a better understanding of the technological world around them.


Reference Points

“…we can no longer use either our 20th century knowledge or our training as a guide to what is best for them educationally.”

“For example, students could learn algebra far more quickly if instruction were available in game format.”

“Outside school, they are fully engaged by their 21st century digital lives”

“As 21st century educators, we can no longer decide for our students, we must decide with them.”

“From computers to calculators to MP3 players to camera phones, these tools are like extensions of their brains.”

“Students should be learning 21st century subject matter, such as nanotechnology, bioethics, genetic medicine, and neuroscience.”


Reflection

My reaction to many aspects of this article is “are you kidding me”. I was just totally astonished at some of the things the author was stating. The first thing that popped out at me was using video games to teach students math. There is already a problem in America with students not focusing in class, and one theory of this is that students have so much stimulation from games that they can’t focus in a normal paced environment. Now take that and double it by adding games to their school routine. I believe that is totally ludicrous. When students move on in life they will have to learn many thing on the job and from reading. What message are we sending to them? Everything will be presented to you in a fun and exciting way. This is not how the world works. There are so many things that we have to learn that aren’t fun and exciting. However, the skill of learning how to learn when something isn't fun is essential.

To further illustrate my point that the author wants to give students a constant fun environment he states that students should have the choice to walk out if the teacher does not deliver compelling content. If there is one thing I have learned from life it is this: things we once thought to be totally useless and boring somehow work their way into being a part of our life. When I took geology in college I hated the class and thought I would never use the information again. As part of my first job I taught a succession class where a major portion of it was geology. At that point in their lives students have no idea what they are going to use after they graduate. Not everything in life can have a “wow” effect.

I am not saying that technology isn’t essential to learn in school, and I am not saying I don’t think school should be interactive and fun. I love science and everyday students should enjoy something they do at school. I am just saying that this author has taken things to the extreme. We need to teach students technology, and yes it needs to be a part of the classroom, but it isn’t the only part. Education needs to be a mixture of many different methods.