I am a Digital Immigrant...

The article “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants” defines today’s generation of students as superior in their knowledge and experience with technology. The concept that “today’s students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach” is a very accurate statement. The experience that today’s students possess with technology almost always overpowers a teacher’s own familiarity or skill level with varied forms of technology; especially veteran teachers who do not have the time or desire to keep up with the constant changes and latest developments that are made in the world of technology. As an educator of ten years, I have not given much thought to the various modes of learning that can take place through technology mostly because our school is very limited with technology and resources. I do support the concept that as educators we need to make adjustments that will engage today’s learners and meet their needs through varied forms of instruction through technology. The barrier, however, that exists and prevents educators from reaching this goal is the lack of time and ability. Teachers are mandated by administrators to follow state standards for each content area taught. In addition, teachers must also follow a rigid timeline that incorporates a school’s required curriculum. At this point it can become overwhelming due to time constraints to fit in activities that would incorporate technology into the classroom. Until state standards and corporation curriculum is revised, it becomes very difficult for a teacher to find time to implement instruction through the use of media and technology, not to mention having the necessary resources available. I do believe it is time for change and support the concept that students will be more successful if we can deliver instruction in a more meaningful way.

In response to the article “Online Community of Inquiry Review: Social, Cognitive, and Teaching Presence Issues”, I believe there are some valid points discussed regarding the impact of community and social presence on one’s learning. This past spring I completed my first online course through IUSB. This was my first experience with posting, downloading, and submitting all coursework through Oncourse. Part of the course required that students posted weekly in a forum to topics facilitated by the instructor. I found it very interesting and amusing at times to read the various comments posted from each individual. It was through these forums that we were able to witness and understand each person’s background, personality, and overall awareness of different social issues they were experiencing within their own lives. These forums allowed us as a group to connect and build an online community. But once the course progressed and the major assignments and projects approached, I began to feel disconnected from the concept of a group. Our projects were to be shared so that others could see how we implemented Powerpoint, Microsoft Word, and Excel into the classroom. I felt that some individuals lacked the understanding of what was appropriate as they commented other work submitted by students. I felt that comments and feedback should be positive and encouraging rather different than the instructor would comment. On my power point project, another classmate commented that I had included too many sound clips and he proceeded to discuss this in response to my unit project. Not only do I believe he confused my project with another classmate but I thought that this was overstepping his role as a member of our online community. I feel that sometimes, negative experiences can prevent an individual from engaging in a project or discussion if they feel inferior to others-no different than face-to-face interaction in a traditional setting. The article states, “…it is essential that the group feels secure to communicate openly and coalesces around a common goal or purpose for a community to sustain itself.” This, however, cannot happen when there are 1 or 2 members that do not comply and work toward a mutual goal through an online community.


The main concept that I focused upon in reference to Ian Jukes’ video relates to my role as a parent. My daughter is 2 ½ years old and I realize that she is considered part of this digital generation. Already at her age she knows how to insert and load her movies onto my laptop. She understands how to use the cell phone and how to power on the video recorder and watch our home movies. My best friend’s little boy is the same age and is able to play video games on her cell phone with no difficulty. My nieces who are 12 and under in age, are experienced with Facebook and You Tube, regularly sending texts out to family members through their phones or uploading their latest musical performances on You Tube. I have never heard this concept before but it is the reality of today’s generation and I feel that as a parent it is almost my duty to stay current and educated so that I am aware of what my daughter does as she gets older and her experience level with technology continues to increase.