There has always seemed to be a disconnect between generations. However, with the increased adoption of technology among the youth the divide is bigger than ever. Without taking the time to understand how the kids utilizes technology we are doomed to fail in our communication with them. Understanding how to communicate is so much more than just using language; it is also utilizing communication channels effectively to convey a message. By understanding social media we can facilitate communication not only between ourselves and our students, but also between our students and the world they live in.
"Utilizing communication channels effectively to convey a message." I like this idea. It speaks to the larger spectrum that encompasses our use of language. As an English teacher, I obviously need to use this idea, pushing myself and my students to understanding the language that surrounds us in the world. I think that an important aspect is teaching them about the older stuff as well. We live in a world where old can be cool. Just look at the kids that decided record players are neat, or us as a generation that likes the look of antique items. I think we naturally appreciate the older things, the aspects of lives that exist before us. Teaching students about the past technology can be really integral to their understanding of how we got to the present. Excited to see how you get technology into the elementary classroom, as I know it can be a challenge getting them started early. As evidenced through this post and through your class insight, I can tell that you will effectively manage it!
ReplyDeleteBarry you are so right! I have found that even though I am not that much old (or at least I tell myself I am not) I have had a hard time and feel a discount to what they are doing. And for me taking the time to learn how to use the technology they use never seemed important until yesterday. You said it perfectly "Without taking the time to understand how the kids utilizes technology we are doomed to fail in our communication with them." If we can communicate then we can teach them. Your meme is perfect. Thanks for your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteGood point here! It's easy to stick with the "same old, same old" methods as a teacher or parent. But the kids 20 years ago, don't have the same tools kids today have available. Good or bad, we need to embrace the many options available and not just assume vital information will come to us in our "prefered" method, but be able to communicate with our students in a variety of ways.
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