Blog #6: Who Are Today's Learners?
In this article by Christine Greenhow, the focus is placed on what the students of today are learning and comprehending in the classroom. Teachers always want to know the background of each of their students because it helps them work with the students better, allowing them to focus on different situations with the proper approach. There are many different ways in which a teacher can extend each student's knowledge base. Introducing new knowledge and experiences through technology is becoming commonplace in today's classrooms.
Greenhow mentions the effects of new ways of learning via the web, and how the web has an effect on students' perspectives. Asking students about their technology experience and skills is the first step in collaborating and finding out what they liked best in school. Some of the students' experience and skills was impressive; almost all of them were techno-savvy and knew more than the average teacher. This was common even in students who had little technology access at home, and among students who were fairly new to technology and computers. There were no differences when the student demographics were taken into account- low-income and middle-income level students expressed no difference in their technological skills. What this showed was that it is very important for teachers to become aware of their students' technological backgrounds so they can help each student learn at the appropriate level and pace. This article correlates with ISTE NETS standard 1.a "apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes."
Greenhow, C. (2008). Who Are Today's Learners? Learning and Leading with Technology, 36(2), 16-17. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20080910#pg18
“Who Are Today’s Learners?”
ReplyDeleteI found it really interesting that this article showed that despite a students’ background or socio-economic status, they generally were more technologically savvy than the average teacher. It does make sense though because each generation grows up comfortable with the technology that develops around them, where as those who are older have a more difficult time to learn newer technology. The world continues to move at a faster and faster pace it seems! One of the ways I think teachers can use the students’ tech-savvy to their advantage however is to have the students “teach one another”. I think this allows the children to develop social skills and critical thinking skills along with leadership skills and also build a feeling of being part of a community. I don’t believe that as teachers we need to know all the answers, but I do believe that we need to know how and be willing to use our resources—and I think students are one of our resources.
(A. Silva)