Digital "Nati-grant"

“Digital Nati-grant”

When discussing technology, its applications and its implications, people are commonly divided into two categories: a Digital Native or a Digital Immigrant.  However, is it possible to be both? To have one foot in the generation that grew up with technology, and one foot in the generation that longs for the pre-tech days?  A Digital "Nati-grant" if you will. The majority of my world exemplifies that of Carrie Windam, author of The Student's Perspective.  Her experience growing up was similar to mine in matters of technology.  I remember my first time using the internet and needing the teacher explain to me how to use a search engine.  I registered for classes in my pajamas, IMed to communicate with my friends, and multi-tasking is the only way I know how to get things done.  

Being a part of the Digital Native community helps me to better work with high schoolers on a daily basis: I understand their vocabulary because I use it too.  I understand their yearning for information and their ability to teach the older generation.  I want immediate responses and I expect for communication to be strong.  The survey results explained by Robert Kvavik in Convenience, Communications, and Control: How Students Use Technology represent the way I feel about technology in the classroom: it should be used moderately.  If a professor overuses technology, but without confidence, their message is lost.  Technology is not a part of our world, and it must be integrated into the education of our children. It simultaneously needs to be asserted that the children are taught to think; and to think for themselves.  

Technology has altered the way we communicate, and this is a good thing.  I can stay in contact with my family and friends overseas, print out directions, or cook a new recipe, all due to technology.  It has improved life without trying. 

However, sometimes technology overrides life’s lessons.  Just type an unknown word into the computer and the definition appears for you.  The idea of flipping through a dictionary and discerning the various symbols and methodology used is forgotten.  Thus comes in my Digital Immigrant ideals.  I would rather hold a book in my hand and highlight information than read it on a computer.  My students do not know how to tell time on an analogue clock because they never needed to: Everything is digital. I had to give my debit card information to Blockbuster in order to rent a movie.  No, I don’t want you to deduct this from my account... I just want to rent a movie and I want to pay cash for it.  

It is easier to use debit cards for everything, but it also makes it easier to spend money.  I do not have a credit card for that reason.  If I physically have cash, I know exactly how much I have to spend and can plan accordingly.  I do not understand why the students in my study hall stare into space while listening to music, without doing any work. I love getting mail through the postal services, and sometimes listening to the rain instead of my ipod is a good thing.

It is this combination of loving and hating technology that puts me into the Digital “Nati-grant” category.  When technology works and is used well, it is a blessing and a much needed tool.  But it is when the power or the internet go out, that is when  I get things done.  I actually clean my house, read a book, or prepare for my next day.  The next time the power goes out, read a book by candlelight. You will see what I mean.