Disscussion 1

The Prensky article gave me a new view point on the two groups of people, “Digital Natives” and Digital Immigrants”. I consider myself a combination of the two because I know the basics about technology and I also take notes with a piece of paper and pen. I agree with the terms that the author used to describe people who grew up in the digital age and those who did not, as “Digital Natives” and “Digital Immigrants.” The days of taking notes on pieces of paper are over. Now students bring laptops to school and have class with students from across the world, using webcams. It is a new age; therefore it is important that teachers change their tactics and techniques of teaching to grasps their students attention better. Students, these days, need a new approach to learning and teachers have to understand that technology affects everyday life, especially education. I think that there should be a combination of ideas and techniques brought to the revision of current curriculums and the creation of new curriculums. It is important to bring “legacy” content such as logical thinking and “future” content, such as software, together because there are valuable. Teachers have to constantly be willing to learn about new technology and better ways of reaching their students. As the article stated, “It is highly unlikely the digital native will go backwards,” therefore teacher have to make it their business to keep up and make the environment feasible for learning.

The Straker article is a good article and pin points the advantages and disadvantages of children and teenagers using computers in their everyday lives. I have heard many of these points before and do not think that the issue will change drastically in the near future. Technology is here to stay and people are going to continue to use computers and other forms of technology. Many schools have fully integrated technology in to their classrooms, therefore parents, teachers, administrators, and students have to come up with ways to evenly distribute their time on the computer, in front of the television, exercising, and working. it is important for children to learn how to use computers efficiently, so they can compete and be successful in the world. However, I dont thin that technology should consume a persons life.In my opinion, when people learn how to balance things in their life they become healthier people.