Digital Natives

Kids today have a new thought pattern? I think it’s an interesting statement to say that kids today are digital natives. I consider myself to be part immigrant because I remember when ipods first came out, when I got my first text, and when projectors began to replace T.V.’s, but I would agree that my generation is a lot different than my parent’s or my grandparent’s generation.
I knew my great-grandmother pretty well growing up and it always blew my mind to think that she grew up watching cars evolve, airplanes, radios, computers… but I could perhaps say I’ve seen more changes than she has.
I agree that technology is in its way a new language. It took some practice to read off of a computer screen for me. I still prefer to print something out for study, but especially since college, that isn’t always possible.
My freshman year, I had no internet in my home. I was astounded to realize how much of my education had to be done online. I eventually had to get internet for my home and I can honestly say I now use it at least once a day. At least.
The paragraph about instantaneity really rang true for me. It says,

They are used to the instantaneity of hypertext, downloaded music,
phones in their pockets, a library on their laptops, beamed messages
and instant messaging. They’ve been networked most or all of their
lives. They have little patience for lectures, step-by-step logic, and
“tell-test” instruction.

That is so true. With things so up to date and on hand and instant, I’ve noticed my impatience grow with slower methods and means. I like the suggestions for the teachers including shorter instruction, random access to activities, and movies instead of text. I think more teachers should teach that way.