The EdTech Roundup
Connect:
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Editorials & Press
  • Ed Tech Sites
  • Lesson Plans
    • Elementary
    • Secondary
  • Former Weekly Podcast
  • About Me
  • Contact

What Do Students Really Know About Using Technology?

5/6/2014

1 Comment

 
Author: Catelyn Cantrell
Picture
Finding a clear-cut answer to this question is virtually impossible. However, this does not mean that this question is useless. In fact, asking this question can prevent teachers and students from becoming frustrated by sky-high expectations. Taking a more critical approach to the notion of “digital natives” can help improve the way in which technology is introduced in the classroom.

At times, students may show an unwillingness to play and test out new tools--they would rather just be told exactly what to do. Even after students know how to perform tasks with digital tools, they might struggle to understand when and how to use them. Though they do possess working knowledge of some tools, but they may not understand the notions of digital citizenship or appropriate usage. The sense of “native” would imply that they already understand the customs associated with the digital world, but there is a great deal of evidence which suggests the contrary.

I’m not saying we should throw out the notion of the digital native. However, I do think we should question it. Although more students are entering schools more familiar with technology than their predecessors, it is unrealistic to expect them to know how and when to use tools right off the bat. 


What I can appreciate about the term is that it shows recognition of the new problems and issues faced by educators in this time. Though I don’t think any cohort possess an innate inclination for technology, I do think that each group is growing up with a new approach and awareness of technology.

Each student comes from a unique background…so why do they deserve a blanketed term to describe their different abilities, interests and insecurities? I don’t want to abolish the idea of the digital native because it brings up questions like these. 


These types of questions make us take a critical look at how we integrate technology into educational spaces and make way for student-centered practices (an awesome side-effect, if you ask me!).


Author's Bio:

Catelyn Cantrell is a soon-to-be graduate from the University of Florida and a member of the Omninox Publishing team in Gainesville, Florida, a developer of interactive guides for Advanced Placement® Courses. She is starting a master’s degree in English Education and taking steps towards a teaching career. 

1 Comment
StudySearch link
5/6/2014 09:00:34 pm

It is true students can use technologies in solving problem, but there's still the need to put them through the right use of technology.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Editorials

    Here you can find the Round Up's collection of editorial pieces and press releases where we will discuss the latest trends and ideas in educational technology


    Picture

    Featured

    Picture
    Check out our featured review | ClassroomAPP: A Complete, K-12 Digital Platform for Online and In-Person Classrooms

    Teach.com

    Connect


    Awards

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

           
​Except where noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Picture

Copyright 2020 | Mike Karlin, Ph.D.