Video Reviews-Marc Prensky

1. What do you think of the term: Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants?

I think this is an interesting way to categorize generations. Digital Natives describing the generation of kids that do not know a world without high speed internet and smart phones. While the Immigrants are those that had to adapt and learn about technology as a new tool.

2. Where do you fit in?

I feel like I am of an age group that sort of sits right in the middle of this. I remember getting our first computer and I didn't have a cell phone until after I graduated from high school. I grew up without smart phones and high speed internet, but I saw the rapid development of these technologies in my late teens. I have an appreciation for both sides of the spectrum I suppose. 

3. In regards to the Digital Divide, how do you see it impacting education?

Digital Divide refers to the gap between countries that have regular access to high speed internet and computers and those who do not. So if the schools that have access to these technologies adapt their teachings it creates a large divide in education and how it is executed.

4. What are the most interesting concepts Prensky presents? Why?

Prensky discusses the idea of open cell phone tests. I thought this was interesting. It would allow the teacher to ask questions that focus more on the ability to process information rather than the ability to retain it.

5. Is there anything Prensky presents that you are skeptical about? What is it and why do you think so?

In the last video Prensky presents a picture of a toddler on a little bicycle looking thing with a tablet mounted to the front. I'm not sure if that is a serious image or not, but he goes one to discuss how we must dive into technology. I'm very skeptical about introducing technology at a young age. I'm closely involved with raising my nephew and we give him as few toys that require batteries as possible. As an art educator in the making I feel that technology has shortened the creative attention span of most kids. 

6. Do you think technology is important in an art classroom? Why or Why not?

I think that there is certainly benefits to technology and wonderful opportunities that it presents. However, there are still many classic forms of art that require old fashioned time and work. 

7. How do you imagine you will (or will not)  incorporate technology in your classroom? 

I incorporate it in my after school art program right now by using it as a tool to find ideas and inspiration. I also use it to look up tutorials when kids ask to do projects that I am not familiar with. In this way it is a great tool to not only teach the kids, but for me to learn from. I would image that I will continue to use it in a similar way in a classroom.