I was born in 1987, but I admit that I am not a technology person. I do prefer the traditional way, such as taking notes by hand, not typing, or reading paper version of the book, not the electronic one. Sometimes, I feel that I am far behind my peers in terms of using technology (It took me a long time to learn how to type fast when I prepared for TOEFL IBT in that I never typed my composition in a exam before).
I notice the existing of "generation gap" which was discussed in Thorne and Payne's (2005)article. My dad, a math teacher in middle school, never uses technology in his classes. He recently has learned to use PPT, and told me that he is done with all technology thing, and would prefer the traditional blackboard. However, for those who are younger than me, like my cousins, they are really good at all computer and technology stuff. They are fascinated about Facebook, skype, MSN, etc. They always say "You're out", or "welcome to 2 years ago" when I turn to them for some technology things that seem amazing to me.
I would say teachers can take full advantage of digital natives' knowledge of technology, such as discussing on Facebook, grouping meeting via Skype. Students are interested in technology and also more professional than their non-digital native teachers or parents.
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12 years ago
Well Yi, you're very young and are not into technology that much, so there are probably more young people who think like you. do you think you don't like it because you were not taught that way? or you're not used to it?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're bringing this up, Yi, because too many older people assume that younger people are 'born into it' and that they prefer it. I think we need to remember that one technology does not necessarily replace another, and that learners now are afforded many more tools with which to customize their own learning styles. When they're exposed to a new tool, they can add it to their repertoire, or not, as they see fit--the question becomes, should we force students to use them or not?
ReplyDeletehum.. I quite agree with you and the posters above.
ReplyDeleteRight, not every young person is digital native and feel comfortable with the technology things..
Then, I also think.. should the technology the 'must' thing in teaching and learning things?
Shouldn't we give more option to them depending on the individual? and be more flexible about technology?
Honestly, I was a little suprised to know that you don't favor technology in learninng.Being a aprent of the children of your age make think that computers are inseparable part of their daily life. To some point, I agree with you. Your comments me make think think that it is as much as important for younger generation to value some of the aspects of traiditional learning, as for older generation to enhace their teaching by using computers. Otherwise, students will stop reading books, or won't be able able to fill out forms, using handwriting.
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