Digital Natives in the Classroom

Presented by:

Donna TranMichelle McCainBrian CuthbertDana QuinterroChristine Ligono

Sue Bennett, Karl Maton, and Lisa Kervin

Reviewed by: Donna Tran

Digital Who?

Digital natives/net generation = born between 1980 and 1994.

Digital natives have been immersed in technology mostly all their lives.

Technology exposure to: computers, cell phones, video games, DVD players, digital cameras, iPods, etc.

Belief:

Constant exposure to technology = new learning preferences = a need for tweaking how students are taught in school

Characteristics of Digital Natives

Active experiential learners

Proficient in multitasking

Dependent on communications technologies for accessing information and for interacting with others

It is suggested that these students prefer discovery-based learning that allows exploration, active testing of ideas, and creating knowledge…game-based activities

Research

A survey of 4,374 students across 13 institutions in the U.S. found…

93.4% own personal computers 82% own mobile phones

Most commonly used technology…99.5%Use word processingUse emailWeb surf for pleasure

BUT consider this…Potential differences in technology use related to SES,

cultural/ethnic background, gender, age

Idea that all digital natives have common levels of access and technology skills may cause those less interested and less able to be neglected.

“There is as much variance within the digital native generation as between the generations.”

There is no evidence that multitasking is a new phenomenon exclusive to digital natives and it may not be as beneficial as it appears…can result in loss of concentration and cognitive overload.

G. Ching

Reviewed by: Michelle McCain

Implications of an Experimental Information Technology Curriculum For Elementary Students

The purpose of this study is to see how useful would a technology curriculum be for elementary students.

This is an experimental research study.

Implications of an Experimental Information Technology Curriculum For Elementary Students

Findings suggest that can be the success of this experiment was dependent on teacher commitment and collaboration along with the ongoing support of the school administration. With faculty teamwork beneficial outcomes can come in terms of the production of knowledge and creativity, faculty growth, which will ultimately lead to educational excellence.

Implications of an Experimental Information Technology Curriculum For Elementary StudentsMany experts agree that

thematic interdisciplinary lessons improve student awareness in learning. Throughout the study, the researcher observed numerous carefully thought-out creative thematic and interdisciplinary IT lessons and exercises. During the observations, students perceived as motivated and engaged in the lessons.

Marilee Sprenger

Reviewed by: Brian Cuthbert

Digital nativesDigital natives have grown up with technology

Digital natives are accustomed to multitaskingIs multitasking beneficial to learning?

We must teach digital natives how to find balance

Finding BalanceSeven Strategies

1. Provide reflection time

2. Disarm them

3. Let them teach

4. Use interactive white boards

5. Build emotional literacy

6. Teach mindfulness

7. Encourage storytelling

Conclusion“Students' digitally conditioned brains are 21st century

brains, and teachers must encourage these brains to operate fully in our classrooms. We must recognize that relationships and focused attention are key to learning in this century. If we can help students balance the gifts technology brings with these human gifts, they will have everything they need.” (Sprenger, 2009)

Carolyn Staudt

Reviewed by: Dana Quinterro

• Study done in Massachusetts in a second grade classroom using the Palm

• Students are already familiar with technology (similar to GameBoy)

• Personal, portable, small screen, feels like a “toy”, pictures, games

• Can store work, thoughts, ideas, data, and drawings

Allows students to collect data at anytime or any place (ex. calorie intake)

Spreadsheets, calculator, internet, graphing tools, note taking, schedules

Can share results with other students by beaming or synching

Sense of responsibility is shifted from teacher to student (student-directed vs teacher-directed)

Technology excites students and change of pace

Price of handheld computers has dropped in past years $120-$200 compared to $400

New educational applications created the last 3 years

Great for group projects because of ability to beam

Teacher able to see step by step choices

Student conceptions or misconceptions

Bob Pletka

Reviewed by: Christine Ligono

According to Bob Pletka, author of Educating the Net Generation, most students expressed that computers supported their ability to learn by providing opportunities to search for information easily, experience differentiated pacing, access websites resources, visualize examples through streaming video, and utilize writing tools. A student, according to Pletka also said that, “computer is a ‘part’ of the student body and that without it they would be missing a vital piece in their learning system.” It is also true to say, that learning has become easier, due to technology.

Citations Bennett, S., Maton, K., & Kervin, L. (2008). The ‘digital natives’ debate: A critical review of the

evidence. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(5), 775-786.

Ching, G. (2009). Implications of an experimental information technology curriculum for elementary students. Computers & Education, 53, 10.

Sprenger, M. (2009, September). Focusing the Digital Brain. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 34. Retrieved September 16, 2009, from Middle Search Plus database.

Staudt, Carolyn. (1999). “Handheld Computers in Education. 1-7. Retrieved on September 16, 2009, from http://playspace.concord.org./Documents/Learning%20from%20Handhelds.pdf

Pletka, Bob. (2007). Educating the Net Generation [Electronic Version]. Santa Monica Press.