Digital Learners - It's Only Natural

A set of new MacBook Airs will enable students to put these essential 

skill sets into practice in 2014-15. 

When I was in 4^th grade I taught my homeroom teacher, Ms. Hayden, how to save a document on Microsoft Word. We were still using 3 ½ floppy disks and my hard working teacher was confusing where to save the file, and the concept of “save” versus “save as.” No one had taught me how to perform this task; I suppose I intuitively discovered it on my own. This theme is driven home by this video: Toddler with iPad!. Years later, in preparation for a class trip to Washington, D.C., I made a presentation on a new program called PowerPoint that included animated slide transitions and modern music. I don’t remember many other assignments at that school, particularly all the textbook and worksheet activities, but I vividly recall that project and that trip.

That was twenty years ago, and while much has changed, the core concept is still the same. Student-centered learning is more relevant and engaging for students. In this digital age, this type of learning is paramount. We want to provide our students at BDCHS with essential skill sets that will enable them to be successful in college and the work force. It is widely reported that schools and universities have a tough job in helping students prepare for jobs that don’t exist yet. Eric Sheninger, a nationally recognized principal and author, writes in his recent book Digital Learning that this essential skill set includes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, technological proficiency, and global awareness.

Let’s consider the typical teenager for a moment. They spend most of their time engaging in digital and social media, and it can be hard for us to keep up sometimes. Information is available faster than ever before, and consequently, teachers and textbooks have moved away from the front of the room into more of a facilitator role. Educators must understand this. Rather than ignore how a student learns outside of school, we must embrace it and use it to our advantage. We want students to engage in their own learning, take ownership of what is happening, and be excited again to come to school.

As our school accrues more tools to make this a reality, it will be up to us as educators and parents to see it through. Our children are digital natives and we must meet them where they are to push them to achieve. Do they know how to construct a responsible digital footprint? Send a proper email or tweet? Can they explain how mainstream media advertises and uses their personal information? They are natural learners in this setting, but they will not naturally figure it out on their own.

I will be posting much more about this topic soon and as they school year goes on. Feel free to leave posts and comments below.