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Saved by 15 people (0 private), first by anonymouse user on 2007-10-22


Public Comment

on 2007-10-22 by christyinsdesign

George Siemens critiques Prensky's digital native/digital immigrant dichotomy, arguing that it isn't supported by research and is too focused on age rather than experiences. Siemens does agree that schools need to change, but not for Prensky's reasons.

on 2008-07-10 by tomgoodwin

Sophisticated yet managable. Siemans makes a number of good points that suggest Prensky's analogy is good for hype but nothing more.

Public Sticky notes

> mindset of experimentation...

Highlighted by jimfolk

Digital natives and immigrants: A concept beyond its best before date

Highlighted by jimfolk

The reference to natives/immigrants was again abundant. I personally find the distinction offensive

Highlighted by jimfolk

Why has the idea of immigrants and natives gained so much ground, in the apparent absence of effective research?

Highlighted by jimfolk

I assume the concept of immigrant/native gained popularity because it expresses emotions/feelings many educators have about next generation students.

Highlighted by jimfolk

But I don't think the distinction has merit beyond a buzz phrase that has outlived the role it initially played in getting educators to think about the different types of learners now entering our classrooms.

Highlighted by jimfolk

Prensky begins by saying that today's students are different. Our school system hasn't been designed to meet their needs.

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Digital immigrant instructors, we are told, speak an outdated language.

Highlighted by jimfolk

Then we have the personal slant: "every time I go to school, I have to power down".

Highlighted by jimfolk

Prensky is blurring too many concepts here. I agree learners are changing. I agree our institutions need to change.

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Contrary to Prensksy's views, this distinction is NOT a function of age. It's a function of attitude...a

Highlighted by jimfolk

mindset of experimentation...experience with technology.

Highlighted by jimfolk

Quite simply, education utilizes the tools and manner of expression and dialogue of a particular culture in order to transform learners into citizens capable of tackling the increasingly complex problems of the world.

Highlighted by jimfolk

But our institutions need to change because of the increasing complexity of society and globalization. Schools and universities play a dual role: accommodating learner’s method and mode of learning and transforming learners and preparing them to function in the world that is unfolding. This distinction may seem slight, but it's important.
Why should schools react to learner's methods of learning and interacting with content? Well, obviously, if we ignore how they interact with each other and with content, we are largely subjecting them to a mode of thinking (linear, certainty-based) that is at odds with how they experience life (complex, social, and collaborative). Contrary to Prensksy's views, this distinction is NOT a function of age. It's a function of attitude...a mindset of experimentation...experience with technology.

Highlighted by christyinsdesign

the overhaul is needed because society has changed, not because learners have iPods.

Highlighted by jimfolk

(i.e. how to use a piece of software for its intended purpose, but not much beyond that).

Highlighted by jimfolk

Even concepts like "reflection" must be handled in digital native language. If all you have is a hammer...every problem looks like a nail (Maslow).

Highlighted by jimfolk

Lately, I've noticed an increasingly strong resistance among educators to technology use in education.

Highlighted by jimfolk