EDTECH 597 - Generational Differences

When do you begin to learn? When does learning slow down? Research shows that the brain continues to develop into the 20's and begins to slow down. Learning becomes a bit more difficult, but it is still possible. This means that as new technology is developed, it will be more challenging for an older person to completely grasp. Young people who are brought up within this new technology adapt, learn, and thrive with it. Those who did not have computers and other newly developed electronics when they were younger have difficulty thriving with them, thus creating the terms "digital natives" and "digital immigrants."

After reading Prensky's article (2001), I was in quite a bit of disagreement. While educational technology is valuable and useful, I believe that children are being raised to become dependent upon electronics. Video games, television shows, movies, computers, etc. are becoming a large part of today's children's lives. They live in a digital world and were born into it. I believe there still needs to be a balance from the real life side, the side that provides tangible experiences rather than digital ones.

McKenzie (2007) offers a viewpoint similar to mine. She refutes Prensky's arguments about brains changing and a call to education reform. While I do believe that technology should be used in the learning process, it should not be the only way that students learn. By offering a variety of methods of learning (through books, kinesthetic activities, electronics, etc.), students will have a greater skill set for future communication and learning.

Resources:

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants – Part II: Do they really think differently? On the Horizon, 9(6). Retrieved from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf

McKenzie, J. (2007). Digital nativism: Digital delusions and digital deprivation. From Now On, 17(2). Retrieved from http://fno.org/nov07/nativism.html