Technology is a wonderful thing, something I personally could not live with out, but I do believe that it is a major distraction. In Prensky's second article about digital native and immigrants he explains how the digital immigrants are struggling to teach digital natives because they don't really understand their language. Prensky explains that while technology is creating a rewarding learning experience for digital natives it is also causing problems, such as students today do not have an opportunity to reflect or think critically.
In my own experience, technology has been a distraction. I'm always engrossed in some sort of technology. I'm either watching my shows commercial free on the DVR, or looking up the newest trends online, or stalking family and friends on a social networking site. My children are even more engrossed in technology then myself. They play video games, can navigate my iphone, and complete homework assignments all online. When I tell the kids its time to go outside and play they whine and groan that they don't want too. I think this is a major problem. I have to set limitations in my house so everyone isn't sitting around online all day. The kids are aloud one hour of video game time a day, and one hour a day of computer/ipad time.
Critical thinking and reflection are so important and I can understand how it is getting lost in our technology savvy society. I think digital immigrants should continue to teach in a somewhat traditional fashion but include some technology so the students do not become bored. Students need to see that there are other fun ways to learn that do not involve sitting in front of a computer.
In my own experience, technology has been a distraction. I'm always engrossed in some sort of technology. I'm either watching my shows commercial free on the DVR, or looking up the newest trends online, or stalking family and friends on a social networking site. My children are even more engrossed in technology then myself. They play video games, can navigate my iphone, and complete homework assignments all online. When I tell the kids its time to go outside and play they whine and groan that they don't want too. I think this is a major problem. I have to set limitations in my house so everyone isn't sitting around online all day. The kids are aloud one hour of video game time a day, and one hour a day of computer/ipad time.
Critical thinking and reflection are so important and I can understand how it is getting lost in our technology savvy society. I think digital immigrants should continue to teach in a somewhat traditional fashion but include some technology so the students do not become bored. Students need to see that there are other fun ways to learn that do not involve sitting in front of a computer.
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