Digital Natives

As Teachers, it is our job to do our best to reach every student, whether they’re a “digital native” or a student who is a kinesthetic learner. I think that we do need to try to design/develop new ways to deliver instruction so that it is engaging to our students. When I taught in Kent, I had a Smart Board in my room. I used my Smart Board every day because it was so much more fun for my kids! If they had a choice between practicing writing their name with paper and pencil or on the Smart Board with cool colors and effects, of course they would choose the Smart Board! At my school now, kindergarten is the only grade level that does not have Active Boards and it makes me sad. My students jump up and down and cheer each Wednesday when we get to go to the computer lab. There are several math games that I teach them how to play in class and then they get to play the “computerized” version of the game in the computer lab. They are way more engaged in our math lessons if they are games, who wouldn’t be? I agree with Prensky when he says in his article that we don’t need to necessarily reinvent computer games to use with our kids, but that we do need to use them. In our district we use the Everyday Math curriculum. Our district chose to purchase the online component of the program. This is great! My kids can practice math facts, counting, patterns, money, etc. as homework on their computer. My kids are always telling me how they love homework. With the Everyday Math games online, each student is given a log in and teachers can track and see how their kids are doing on the different games. Technology is not going to go away. Like I said before, I think it is our job as educators to constantly try to find new ways to engage our students in what they are learning, and technology is one of the best ways I know how to do this.