Digital Natives Impact on e-learning in schools

“One student walks across campus listening to an iPod; another is engrossed in text messaging on her cell phone. During class, they’re Googling, Instant Messaging and playing games- often at the same time. More likely to use the library as a gathering place than a resource, this is the Net Generation.” (Oblinger 2006 in Jones et al 2010)

Source: Online Identity Wiki Created by Mauricio Aguirre-Pineda University of Manitoba, Faculty of Education online-identity.wikispaces.com accessed 10/5/11

Defining Digital Natives Can this notion be defined? Prensky (2001) recognised the dramatic change in the students of today. The first generation to grow up with this new technology. Living their lives surrounded by computers, videogames, mobile phones- all of the tools and gadgets of the digital age. Source: ABS (2010) Household Use of Information Technology, Australia

Assumptions Changes to current teaching practice needs to be made to address the needs of these Digital Natives Students skills distinguish them from previous generations and their teachers As students live their lives immersed in technology, they therefore possess highly developed technology skills All students are interested in, reliant upon and able to use technology

Implications Does the popularity of ICT in everyday life determine its application to education? A “one size fits all” model will not work A digital divide exists Students learning styles can not be generalised, cognitive differences must be recognised Students use of technology differs inside and outside of the school setting High use of technology does not equal high skill base

Recommendations The use of ICT can enrich learning experiences and motivate and engage students Differences must be recognised when implementing e-learning Evaluate students technology skill base Work towards developing critical thinking skills when using technology Develop a whole school approaches to the implementation of e-learning