In my presentation, I take a closer look at the term 'digital native' and try to gain a better understanding of exactly what it means and who it is. Throughout the text, there are a few definitions and interpretations given of what 'digital native' means. The main thing that I took from this book, and that I hope to show through my presentation, is that there is no one exact definition that spans the entire population and fits every person who could be considered a digital native.
In the first few slides, I want to portray how technology is changing rapidly. Children are on the cutting edge of all these new technologies that didn't exist as little as five years ago. They don't even realize it, either. It's such a normal part of their lives now days, some children can't even remember a time before they know how to use the internet or mom/dad's iPhone.
Several studies that the book shows us brings to my attention that all over the world, people use technology for different things and in different ways. However, in the bigger picture, we are all humans, and I feel confident in saying that we all have similar uses for technology. Teenagers and young adults seems to use the internet more for communication and entertainment. This particular fact was true for the USA as well as the folks in Japan and the Nordic countries.
Another major point I discuss is learning. Everyone does it differently. There is no template that fits each and every one of us when it comes to learning. Factors in our lives also play a part in the way we learn, especially the way we learn and interact with technology. If a child is introduced at an earlier age, I do believe that they have a little leg up when it comes to learning and accepting new technologies. I also believe that a child can come from no technology in the home and excel when introduced to it later in life.
As far as technology and education goes, I don't think that there is one right answer. I do think that teachers should teach children how to use the technologies that they are expected to use in school. I also think that some of the responsibility has to be on the student to want to learn and better themselves so that they aren't left behind in this ever-changing, rapidly growing world of technology.
I liked the idea behind "moral panic"; but I truly believe that what you see is not always what you get. Just because a person fits the stereotype or the profile of a digital native, doesn't mean that they are a computer/ technology genius. It all has to do with what each person knows, what they want to know, and how much effort they put into knowing/learning. No one is just born knowing how to use Facebook or how to created a 20 slide PowerPoint presentation using two different programs.
To wrap it up, I do believe that you just can't that every person born after 1980 is a digital native. The text gives plenty of examples where someone born before that is just as, if not more, technologically inclined than me (by birth year alone, defined as a digital native) and plenty more of a so called digital native not living up to their name. It's unfair to everyone to label an entire generation as one thing and not take into account all our differences.
My last slide is easily my favorite. It reminds us to keep an open mind; and with that, we all can have hope and opportunities for a brighter future.
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your presentation, and watched it a few times to get the full effect of each slide. You had so much to say with your words and images, and it was very complex and interesting to watch. I liked the quote at the beginning, "New technology is common, new thinking is rare." It drives home the point that even though young people are using technology, it doesn't necessarily mean they using it in intelligent or creative ways. And your "fear and hope" slide illustrates how complicated technology and internet use can really be for young people. One of your last slides, "Shy away from digital native," is really great too. I love the pictures of the older people using all that technology...kind of makes the term a little nonsensical, doesn't it?
Technically, the design, fonts, images, all go well together and look very attractive, and the music added is very appropriate and adds thoughtfulness to the show.
It looks great!
Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate it :)
DeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your presentation and thought that it flowed really well. I loved the music and thought that it went perfectly with your slides and how you wanted it to flow. I had some of the same pictures and we both had the same last quote. I thought that your images were great and helped you understand the text even more. All of your slides were dead on with what the text told us and the truth about digital natives. I liked that you used the definitions of digital natives in your presentation.
I agree with what you said about teachers in your statement below your presentation. I think that it is our job to help our students with technology and that it is our job to also be up to date on the changes as well.
Thank you!
DeleteAmanda I really thought your presentation was very well put together, the music and the picture choices it was all on target. It flowed very nicely. I thought your presentation was very expressive.
ReplyDeleteThanks!! :)
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