I think technology helps me as a youth worker in a variety
of ways. One way that comes to mind, is that it can help me relate and connect
with the youth that I will be working with. Keeping up with the new technology is
going to play an important role in not only connecting with these youth but
also helping them. Not all students learn the same way and because they don’t, having
technology available will be helpful. If some students are not really grasping
a topic being discussed in class, a teacher could easily bring up a video or
pictures to help clarify any confusion.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
My relationship with technology has become more dependent
over the years. In my house growing up, we did not have a computer or cable
until I was in middle school. Back then I thought it was the worst thing in the
world. Looking back now, I think it was good we did not have a lot of the
technology right away. With it not in the house I had to do other things like
going outside, playing sports, and interacting with people face to face. I want
to say that I am more of a “Digital Native”, for most of the reasons Marc
Prensky discussed in “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants”. Prensky wrote about
how digital natives tend to multitask, are use to receiving information fast,
and love instant gratification. Personally, I do all three. As I write this
blog post I am multitasking; listening to music, playing on my phone, and
telling my parents about my day. I do realize that I am more dependent on my
cell phone than I should be. It could be something small like looking up an address
or going on social media to make the time go by, but it’s usually in my hand
waiting for an excuse to look at it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I, as well have become dependent on technology because it is all around us. The difference is I was brought up in a household of technology, so I feel I might be more dependent because I played video games and sat inside a lot rather than going outside. You make a good point in how technology can help teach the youth, videos and pictures are always a good idea because I am a visual leaner.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we can relate and connect to youth over technology. Like you said it is important to keep up on current technology since its always changing. This will be a benefit for us when it comes to connecting with youth, and using these skills to help teach them.
ReplyDeleteLike Nicole, I resonated with this sentence: Keeping up with the new technology is going to play an important role in not only connecting with these youth but also helping them. "Technology" has been defined differently across the centuries (a pencil is a type of technology!). Keeping up with youth's improvisations and new uses for technology is key for educators.
ReplyDeleteI also did not grow up with cable and internet until later in life and like you, I am thankful for that. My memories growing up are a lot different than the memories that are being created by kids today. We have become a society that is afraid of face to face interactions. Instead of making friends on the playground, we send them a "friend request" on social media. I don't think one method is better then the other but it's just interesting how technology can really impact human interactions.
ReplyDeleteTo contrast our experiences Courtney, I was the kid whose "baby-sitter" were T.V and video games. I can honestly say that this has effected my early education and imaginations, but I'm not so sure on my development. I'm glad you shared your childhood experience which I feel more and more children are missing.
DeleteFrom working in an Early Learning Center, I can immediately tell my pre-k student apart from those who spend an absorbent amount of time with brain numbing technology. This usually comes down to self-regulations and imagination during dramatic play.