One of the new tools available for education with the availability of internet and devices in the students' hands is the use of video in the classroom. I would say this is one of the easiest ways to engage the new type of learners in the new digital age. We are teaching digital native students and some of us are digital immigrants and our students need us to change and use this tool to aid in their education process.
I would have to say that I myself am a digital native. I have grown accustomed to technology and have had access to it most of my life. I would have to say I’m not as engulfed into technology like some of the students today, but I do understand most of their tendencies. I like to use different videos and techniques to grab students' attention. The more that I read and experience new teaching strategies I see video usage as one that we should get more adept in using in the classroom.
I think the key with videos and creating an atmosphere of learning is to keep everyone up to speed on what new things are out there to use in the classroom. Students also need to understand what materials are good to use or watch for education and what are not. Teaching students good digital citizenship skills are key. With the ever changing atmosphere of online activity you can get caught up in creating posting and do other things that are not appropriate.
I read your explanation of being a digital native and feel like it is the same as mine explaining being a digital immigrant. What a wonderful example of how everyone interprets things differently.
ReplyDeleteI always thought of videos in the classroom as teacher selected. I have a hard time thinking of students selecting video for classroom use. I see what you mean though about the ever changing atmosphere of online activity.
I saw that also about our definitions. I guess I feel like that new things to me don't feel so new because of my situation right now. I am fully engulfed into technology and work with it daily.
DeleteGiving students the right resources is important. And then to teach them how to decide if their resource is valid is also key when using videos.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Nathan. How challenging do you find it to keep teachers updated on the ever changing technology options? Have you found good ways to reach those digital immigrants? I think sometimes teachers who are uncomfortable with technology just shut down before they even get started. I also agree with what you said about teaching good digital citizenship. I'd love to know what ways you've found to make that instruction more interesting for kids--if you've found any. I'm getting ready to head back to the classroom this year, and I'll be teaching 8th graders-they really need the digital citizenship information, and I'd like to find an engaging way to get this across.
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