a. Based on Prensky’s descriptions, are you a digital native or a digital immigrant?
I think I am a mixture of a digital native and a digital immigrant. My students have always had computers and internet access from the time they were born. I remember when my family got their first computer. However, I do feel like I have grown up with using technology and exploring the web. I don't feel as if I am as native as my students. They brains are wired for all things digital. It takes me more time to figure it out, but I have much more experiance then some of my colleges who are digital immigrants.
b. How are you equipped to teach the “digital natives” in your classroom?
I believe that some of the things I do reach the digital natives. We watch videos, create powerpoints, and us technology everyday. However, after reading the article, I am a long way from reaching them completly. I don't use video game like activities in my room and I have never had them actually create a game. The article was very daunting to me. I agreed when it mentioned that there are many things our students could do, but who is going to teach it?
c. What further steps could you take to learn the “language” of multimedia?
I think it is important to keep up-to-date on the newest technology. I also think it is important to learn best practices when it comes to teaching with technology. Our school just got a cart of i-pads that I am dying to use, but I haven't yet because I am not sure even where to start! I think it is important to not let our lack of knowledge prevent learning opportunities for our students.
d. What steps can you take to keep students safe from undesirable YouTube content?
Many times when I use YouTube, I show it whole class on the smart board. That way, I am in control of the material and what links they can view. I also like the idea of getting software to "rip" the video so that is all the students have access to. I do think that educators should take all possible steps to prevent inappropriate use of YouTube, but I think it is equally important to teach our students the importance of responsible use of our computers at school.
I know that we have to learn to teach digital natives and I believe that technology is important in schools and classrooms. I also feel that there is merit in learning information from texts and practicing using methods other than computers or technology. The digital natives also will need to learn some of the "old" ways to be successful. (I know this makes me sound really old!)
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