Kate_Puschak_Web20

As I started to read this article, I was drawn to the terminology that is used by calling these students N-Gen learners or “digital natives.” I was also shocked that they are identified as those who were born after 1982. I would fit into this category, but I am not sure I would consider myself a “digital native.” I never had the amount of knowledge of technology that the students we teach today do. I grew up playing Atari and my favorite computer game was Oregon Trail. When I think back on the excitement the Oregon Trail game brought to my age group, I laugh because my students today would think that game was dull and boring. I also find it interesting that my age group does remember what a card catalog is and how it works. I am not sure what my students would say if they had to use a card catalog to find something that is now so readily available to them.

I think that the Web 2.0 tools could have some major benefits in the classroom. A lot of our students are already a part of many social networks. If we could pull those tools into the classroom, we can capture the attention of our students. Web 2.0 tools allow for collaboration and interactive lessons.

For example, my ITRT created ‘Facebook’ templates for our students to use. The students have taken that template and made ‘Facebook’ pages (not real ones) for some of the important people we have studied in history. By making that connection, it immediately grabbed my students’ attention. When they saw the Facebook template pop up on the screen, it resulted in lots of “wows” and “hold on…why do you have a Facebook page up?” types of comments. It was truly incredible to see that spark when reviewing important historians.

Of course there are going to be constraints on using some of the Web 2.0 tools in our classrooms. I know that there are several sites even from this class that I have tried to access while at school, and they are blocked. I think that if we figure out which tools would be the most user-friendly and save tools, that our county should be able to unblock them for student use. Another constraint that I think we run into is some of the teachers. There are many teachers who are legitimately scared of technology. A lot of it is due to lack of experience and understanding. I really liked the following statement from the article: “Learning how to teach the wired student requires a two-pronged effort: to understand how N-Gen students understand and process texts and to create a pedagogy that leverages the learning skills of this type of learner.” Teachers and staff need to learn about the spaces the N-Gen students are learning to truly understand them. They also need to experience these spaces.

I don’t feel that many of the constraints apply to my own classroom other than some of the exciting tools being blocked by the county. I try to utilize technology as much as possible. I am very interested in finding a way to incorporate a blogging tool into my lessons. I feel that a lot of the Web 2.0 tools will help my students develop into better thinkers and learners. It will take a lot of training and learning on everyone’s part.

Overall, teachers need to open their eyes to the N-Gen learners and try to reach them through their outlets instead of just the traditional textbook route. It won’t be easy for all. However, the school leaders need to realize the importance of the “digital natives” we teach at our schools, and the leaders need to offer the support necessary to push both teachers and students to use the Web 2.0 tools.