I would consider myself a digital native given my familiarity with the terms on the quiz and the fact that I use technology in every facet of my day, from my morning alarm (I typically use my cell phone for this) to my computer (which I couldn’t live without it). Most everything I do is with digital technology or including digital media. I find computer work essential to both my studies and my professional work; without the computer, internet and my cell phone, I am absolutely convinced I would be lost.
The new digital age can be tied to the idea of emergent literacy presented in Tompkins’ text. The term applies to young children employing different skills such as listening, story telling, letter recognition and others when learning to read. The most important element of the emergent reader is that literacy development occurs at a very early age. This terminology can also be applied to the digital age of today. Today’s emergent techie is exposed to digital media at an extremely early age, from interactive television shows (such as Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues) to text messaging (something my nine year old niece is all over) the emergent techie is fully immersed in the digital age. This total emersion does have a significant impact on the types of activities these children will participate in and the methods of communication we as new teachers will need to employ to reach these children.
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3 comments:
Adia, I agree with you 100 percent about exposing children to the wonders of the digital world at a young age. Their generation is craving new experiences and using them in a control environment of the classroom is key to their development. Teaching them new innovative ways to use print media, photos, games, etc. will really help expand their knowledge and add an element of fun into the classroom.
Adia- I agree with your feelings about being lost without technology. I studies abroad this summer in Europe and didn't bring my cell phone with me. For the first two weeks found myself reaching for it and realizing the small things I used it for that I missed (like an alarm clock). It was interesting that this just forced me to use other technologies (such as my computer) more often and in new ways.
With you comment on children being exposed to digital media at such young ages it makes me think that as teachers it is important to let go of the thought that since we didn't use these technologies as children our students wont be able to, and let them use the technologies to improve their learning.
Adia- It is funny how you said "without a computer you would be lost" Have you ever thought about what you would do it technology was limited in your classroom. It is difficult to think about, especially with how much we sue it today. I know that I am very fortunate in my placement this year; there is a ton of technology. The ironic part is, I hardly see my teacher use it.
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