Brianna+Guidos


 * Question #1- Will there always be digital immigrants and digital natives? Why do you think so?**

In our world today, technology is continually growing, and it will continue to grow over the years. We are constantly creating and discovering new technologies, many of which we can implement into the classroom. These technologies can be an integral part of learning, but they are rendered useless if they are not used correctly, if at all. As the digital native that I am, I have noticed over the years that many of my educators, or digital immigrants, have not integrated technology into the classroom. Getting their hands on the technology was never the issue, it was always the teacher who "taught us like they were taught". In a lecture style while we took notes, or the standard "pop " to see if we were paying attention. Never once did we use computers to learn a lesson, or interact with any kind of technology other than a projector. It was made obvious that our teachers did not use technology because they were not comfortable with it, and they simply did not know how to use it let alone teach us how to use it. As a visual generation we need to be constantly stimulated, and sitting in a classroom with a figure head talking at us does not do the job. Hopefully the generation that is learning to be educators now will learn how to communicate with their students not just through words, but through technology. But then the question arises, will there always be digital immigrants? Will teachers always be one step behind their students when it comes to technology?

By the time we become educators, technology will become even more advanced. The generations following us are constantly surrounded by this developing technology, and they grow up with the technology at their fingertips. We, as educators, must take it upon ourselves to keep up with the fast pace growth of the technological world that we live in. Otherwise, we will not be able to keep up with our students. I do believe that there will always be digital immigrants, because we will never be able to be as advanced and connected to technology as the generations below us. They are being introduced to technology at a very young age these days, and they have the ability to master this technology. We will always be "out of date" to our students, and we will always be lagging behind their speed. As long as we are constantly making time to catch up to them, we will hopefully be able to connect with them on more of a technological level, and teach them in ways they learn best.

-Brianna Guidos

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Do you think as teachers we will be more willing to use the technology we know or the technology that is new. I think this is the biggest difference. Teachers now want to teach as they were taught. Will we do the same thing?-Joseph Scarneo


 * Response to Jan. 24 Discussion:**

As Joseph brings up a good point, we must ask ourselves if we will get stuck in the same pattern as our teachers which is to not effectively and adeptly integrate technology. However, Brianna makes a considerable argument because the Teacher Education majors of our generation have been learning about the importance of not only effectively and meaningfully integrating technology to meet students' needs, but also to be aware of the many issues that may get a teacher "stuck" in their ways and to participate and be active in professional development.

-Leah Petetti