Technology, Education and the Discourse of the Digital Native
"Mobile technologies and social media, if leveraged appropriately, have the potential to maximize student learning and engagement, and transform the concept of the classroom from four walls to an interactive space where student-centered learning takes place," said Frameworks Institute President Susan Bales, also in a prepared statement. "While there are a variety of challenges, there are enormous opportunities, and if we--educators, technology leaders and school decision makers--find ways to harness the power of these tools, the benefits to our young people and our education system are countless. There are also legitimate concerns that must be addressed, but they must be weighed against the potential benefits." Schools should use the adoption of social and mobile tools as an opportunity to reach students on issues of digital citizenship, digital literacy, and responsible use of online tools in a supervised environment.
According to Deconstructing Digital Natives, there are some schools that wants technology to be banned in the classroom since it causes distractions in the class,( cell phones, individual laptops, IPads, etc). I agree somewhat; I believe that cell phones, and IPods should be banned from the classroom. Or at least a students cell phone should be turned to silent; as to not interfere with the whole class. However, laptops and other educational devices should be allowed. According to the book; "Faculty often argue that banning laptops makes students more attentive in content-based classes" (Thomas, 2011). I believe that not allowed a laptop in the classroom is depriving a student of a full education, it would be the same as saying that an encyclopedia (before the technology age), in the classroom was distracting. Just because a student has a laptop does not mean that they are not paying attention. As long as the student is using the technology for taking notes or further exploring the topics being studied, I believe the technology should be encouraged.
The book makes reference to technology evangelists. A technology evangelist is, "a person who attempts to build a critical mass of support for a given technology in order to establish it as a technical standard in a market" (Wikipedia, 2010). The author states that, "It is difficult to get excited about a research paper that takes two years to write, especially as the technology in question may have changed dramatically in the intervening time" (Thomas, 2011). A research paper that takes two years to complete would be completely outdated before it is finished. Technology is rapidly changing and subjects related to technology would be completely outdated before the research paper is concluded.
A Digital Native, "a young person who has grown up with digital technologies and the Internet as ever-present parts of he or her life" (Thomas, 2011). The students that have been raised-up with technology are the digital native. Children at a very young age are being exposed to technology and are quickly to understand the concept. It is only logical that exposure to technology at a very young age will grow as the child grows.
Examples:
(6+ Months) The Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case lets babies enjoy their very own apps while protecting mom or dad's iPhone or iPod touch device! Simply place the Apple device into the case, twist the lock, and the electronics are protected from baby's dribbles and drool. The durable rubber case has a clear film to cover the screen, plus a home button lockout feature to prevent unwanted call-making. Easy-grasp handles are sized just right for baby to hold.
(2-4 years) The LeapFrog My Own Story Time Pad offers personalized play, stories and activities on a tablet just for little learners! Children can watch fun animations and listen to stories, emails and music as they explore the world of Scout & Friends.
(3-5 years) the VTech Brilliant Creations Beginner Laptop. This innovative learning toy looks like the real thing and comes loaded with 80 activities featured on a brilliant color screen to educate your child in essential skills.http://thejournal.com/Articles/2012/04/11/Banning-Is-Not-the-Answer-to-Mobile-and-Social-Tools-in-Schools.aspx?Page=2
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2396744,00.asp
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