Engaging the Digital Native

So how can we ‘engage’ these so called ‘digital natives’? The answer may be simpler than it seems.

Dales Cone shows that some of the most effective ways of keeping students engaged is to have see and do things (eg. field trips, demonstrations, visual symbols, direct and purposeful use/experience) – ICTs can greatly help this. Dale is not the only one to identify this approach to learning. Marzano and Pickering (1997), Snowman et. al (2009) and McInerney and McInerney (2006) all agree that ‘active learning’ is the key to keeping students on track and interested as well as minimise disruptive behaviours. I more than agree with this approach.

Throughout my pracs I have employed this technique and used a variety of technologies (eg. interactive websites, powerpoints, you tube) in my classroom. I was surprised at how effective they were at keeping my students engaged and on task. Even as a student at high school I remember how great and interesting it was when teachers incorporated the technology that we used everyday into a lesson – it made a significant difference to my understanding of many concepts. A lot of the time I was learning but didn’t actually know it.

From my experience as a prac teacher and a student, the key to teaching digital natives is to incorporate ICTs into the classroom. You also must realise that learning is not restricted to the traditional classroom. Use what they are familiar with. Use what they use everyday. Use what they enjoy. Use ICTs to engage. But always remember to be creative.

References

Marzano, R & Pickering, D (1997). Dimensions of Learning: Teacher’s Manual. Aurora: McREL.

McInerney, D & McInerney, V (2006). Educational Psychology: Constructing Learning. (4th Edition). Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia .

Snowman, J, Dobozy, E, Scevak, J, Bryer, F & Bartlet, B (2009). Psychology Applied to Teaching. Milton: John Wiley and Sons Australia.

Digital Natives

In today’s society, a major player is the ‘digital native’. These are those people who have grown up with the evolution of technology – like me and those younger. We are familiar with the constant stimulus of the internet, social networking, mobile phones, mp3s etc. We multitask by using each and every available technology all at once. However, although many people think we are lucky to grow up with such variety of technology at our fingertips, there can be many downsides. One of which is how easy it is to become bored.

This issue of ‘boredom’ is huge in a schooling context. At home we are watching TV, texting, listening to music, searching the net AND talking on MSN, Facebook, Twitter. At school, we are expected to listen, read and write – and usually in the boring old traditional ways (chalk and talk). We are not stimulated. We are not using the technology that we have grown up with and constantly use. We are not actively learning. We are bored.