I thought that this article was very interesting and brought up many valid points about the generational differences that lead to different understandings of technology. When I completed the quiz, I knew what 4 of the 6 terms meant, and so I consider myself to be somewhat of a first-generation digital native. While my parents are definitely digital immigrants and I know a lot more about technology than they do, I know there is a greater level of digital understanding among people younger than me. Overall, however, I feel that I am in a place where I’m comfortable enough with technology to try new things I am unfamiliar with because I have a sufficient foundational background.
Like this website’s information discusses, it is very true that students today have grown up in a different environment and are unlikely to be reached through the same methods that worked for previous generations in schools. Because technology is such a big part of their lives, it makes sense that it should be incorporated into their learning to connect their home and school experiences. I think that we (my fellow classmates and I, as well as younger teachers) are at an advantage for doing this because we have also grown up in this technological world and are more “digitally native” than many older teachers. Since we already have a familiarity with what is out there and how to make use of it, we consider technology to be more of a friend than a foe; at least I do personally. Because of this, we are better positioned to address students’ changing needs and therefore have a responsibility to do this.
In terms of my own digital literacy, I would say I am between the beginning and fluent stages, depending on the type of technology. However, I can see how digital immigrants would be in the emergent stage as defined by Tompkins. According to her, people in this stage gain an understanding of the communicative purposes of text and develop an interest in literacy. In the same way, those new to things like blogs and wikis learn about how they can be used to transmit information and communicate, and also begin to learn how to use these resources. In the same way that children go through the stages of development to become fluent readers and writers, digital immigrants must also progress through stages to become fluent with technology.
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2 comments:
Kristin,
I definitely connected to your reaction on a personal level, because my situation is sort of the opposite where I am the digital immigrant and my dad is the digital native! He can make iMovies with no problem while I can't even find the application! Also, for a text connection I would defniitely agree that you are not an emergent learner as Tompkins defines it, because you are far beyond that proficiency. But I was thinking, do you think your students will still be ahead of you? By how much? Finally, for a world connection, my teacher tries to use technology to some extent in the classroom, with her computer and TV, and has even used YouTube to illustrate a few lesson ideas! But I think she could go beyond it, as you clearly seem able to do! Good job!
As I was reading your blog, a question came up that I also proposed to JoAnne about reaching a "wall." Do you think that we, as in our generation, will reach a digital literacy wall like our parents and past generations did? And will the next generation after us hit a wall too, but more knowledgable? I was wondering if it is possible to learn all there is to know about digital technology and literacy. It seems that there is always something new and different coming out, a new "gizmo" and we have to learn something new all over again and "update" whatever we already know. I like your insight and I think if you stick with it, you can stay updated and "with it" in the new digital age!
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