Video is a powerful way to teach digital natives in the classroom.
a. Based on Prensky’s descriptions, are you a digital native or a digital immigrant? Why do you think so?
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| "Digital Natives" by Juan Cristóbal Cobo CC-by |
I think I am a digital native because we grew up together, computers and I. I have been interested in computers ever since we got a TRS-80 while I was in Jr. High. I learned a little programming in BASIC on that computer and the Commodore 16 that my brother gave me for Christmas. Then in High School our math teacher somehow got the school to install a computer lab of Commodore 64s and let him teach a computer science class. We programmed our own computer game, and I was hooked. I've had a computer ever since. The technology has shrunk, becoming cheaper and more ubiquitous, and I use it everyday.
b. How are you equipped to teach the “digital natives” in your classroom?
Being a digital native since consumer computers began, I understand them inside and out. I know how to use technology for productivity and creation in addition to using them for entertainment. I use technology several times a day and have taught with technology since I began my career. I use social media to stay current on the latest technologies and their uses in education. I think I'm equipped.
c. What further steps could you take to learn the “language” of multimedia?
Creating is the highest level of learning. I can use multimedia and reading to learn multimedia and then create my own using their techniques. I learn something best by using it. A 365 project would be be a great way to learn the language, by posting something every day, be it a photo, video, audio, or other media.
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| By Matti Popesku (http://orange.blender.org/background) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
d. What steps can you take to keep students safe from undesirable social video content?
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| By hengsheng120 Uploaded by Hengsheng120 at en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
James,
ReplyDeleteYour experience with technology as both a learner and teacher is unique and very interesting! It sounds like you have watched technology drastically change over the past two decades and have taken time to manipulate a variety of devices. I really liked your input regarding learning the "language" of multimedia. I am like you--I learn best by doing. I think the same can be said about most of our students. If we want them to learn or create something with technology, they need to physically do it themselves (with our guidance, of course). It doesn't have to be a HUGE project every time we work with technology. I liked that you said it could be as simple as posting a photo, audio recording, blog response, etc. Also--thank you for incorporating a variety of video-safe websites. I have not heard of a lot of them! I agree with you--with any video we show, regardless of the website, the most important thing is to the view the video beforehand.
James,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great suggestion with the 365 project! I have never heard of that. It would be a great way to find new resources and technologies. I have not heard of shafeshare.tv. In the past, I have used ViewPure.com for a "cleaning" outlet for videos.