Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Mark Prensky

Mark Prensky
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

What was understood:
Prensky argues that there is two generations in today's present society that have to do with technology. Digital Natives, those who understand, and grasp technology and embrace it. Digital Immigrants, those who sometimes use technology, but mainly prefer old fashion ways. Prensky is stating that there is a block between the two digital generations that make the two groups so hard to communicate, one group would e-mail each other back and forth for information, while the digital immigrants would call someone to ask if they received their e-mail. Prensky is arguing that digital natives have the power, and resources to teach others how to become more ative with technology. Prensy is saying once that is accomplised technology in society wil be an equal playing field for all.

What was not understood:
  • How do digital natives make digital immigrants understand dtechnology more if they are not willing to learn?
  • Do younger generations have the uppewr hand because we grew up with digital technology early on? Should older generations have to chnage just because technology is now important?
  • Should technology become a main part of education? Should technology be a substancial way of teaching in the classroom?

Connections to other themes:

This relates alot to media literacy, how media is now contained in everything. Since we are studing teenagers in the media, we realize that media had a large scale recentage of technology engrossed into it. Media is on the interent, TV, cell phones, which have all now become a part of our world. Those who are not digital natives stick to newspapers, magazines, and the news, but for those with digital experience the media can be tranported almost anywhere with the technology now a days.

Questions/Comments/Points to share:

In the article it was interesting to read about how some people just cannot grasp technology like others can. I think it is important for upcoming teachers and professionals to learn how to become a digital native, because times are changing and technology is so much easier and more convenient, and generally more useful than the old fashion ways. Generations to come are going to be comign out of the womb with Blackberrys in hand so for those who are not digital natives, it is time to step up before we become extinct.

1 comment:

  1. What issues does this raise for you as a future teacher? i know we talked about this a little last semester... I would love to here you say more.

    ReplyDelete