Infusing
Technology into Alberta's New Social Studies Program of Studies
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Alberta Education (2003) S.S. Program of Studies, Gr. 5,6,8,9 (Validation Draft) |
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Google Earth in the Classroom |
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Digital Storytelling: Supporting Digital Literacy in Grades 4-12 |
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SURROUNDED BY THE NET-GENERATION
I have been mentored by some of the most techno-savvy eleven-year-olds you could ever hope to meet. Much of my understanding of FrontPage, Publisher, Microsoft Word and search engines can be attributed to students who were part of my classroom and members of the infamous Net-Generation (N-Geners).
We are told that the eighty-eight million members of the Net-Generation are unique in every way largely because they have the distinction of being the first to grow up surrounded by digital media. Is this interesting group of learners much different from students we’ve taught over the past twenty years? You bet they are! So different that it is very important for educators to be well versed on the differences because without that awareness we won’t be equipped to create a learning environment that will tap the learning potential of this very eclectic generation.
Using the Net-Generation descriptors coined by Don Tapscott, author of "Growing Up Digital", I will describe some of the implications for integrating technology into today’s classroom:
Strong Independence
These students love to seek out their own information; in fact, they will be more engaged in the assignment if they do. The Internet is a perfect tool for meeting this need.
We Search for Kids:
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!
Yahooligans:
Emotional and Intellectual Openness
N-Geners love to use the Internet to share their thoughts and ideas with others. Teachers will hold the interest of these students by implementing such online communication tools as bulletin boards, video conferencing and email.
Friendship Through Education:
http://www.friendshipthrougheducation.org
Inclusion
N-Geners are more globally minded than previous generations. They are intrigued by projects that allow them to partner with students in other counties. Teachers can take advantage of this by designing telecolaborative projects that link students from various countries.
Global Schoolhouse:
Free Expression and Strong Views
These young people have been encouraged to think and to express their opinion. Educators should provide opportunities for them to publish their thoughts online via discussion boards or interactive web pages.
UNICEF, Voices of Youth:
http://www.unicef.org/voy/misc/media.htmlThe Sept 12 Initiative: Students Write for a Better World
http://www.education-world.com/best_of/2002/
Innovation
N-Geners thrive on creative thought and expression. Web Pages, online projects/contests and e-zines provide a natural platform from which to celebrate their creativity.
Encourage Student Writing: Publish on the Web:
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech042.shtmlElectronic Portfolios:
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech111.shtml
Preoccupation with Maturity
Many N-Geners are capable of carrying out some very adult jobs such as creating web pages for businesses and being part of the technology initiatives at their school. Their digital experience is often well beyond many of the adults in this profession.
Schools Train Students to Staff Computer Help Desks:
http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/98/04/cyber/education/22education.htmlKids Build Computers and a Future:
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech012.shtml
Investigations
N-Geners love to solve real-life problems. WebQuests are an excellent way for teachers to inject real-life problem solving opportunities into the lives of their students.
WebQuests and More:
http://www.aresearchguide.com/webquests.html
Searching For China WebQuest:
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/China/ChinaQuest.html
Immediacy
The Internet has allowed teachers to seize learning opportunities. Students are able to get instant answers, or the most up to date current events. They can communicate via email, knowing that a response can arrive within minutes. Not only do these encourage curiosity but also prevent boredom.
Time for Kids:
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK
Authentication and Trust
N-Geners are becoming aware that everything that they read is not accurate or even safe. Teachers have the opportunity to help students develop a discerning mind and an ability to identify quality web sites.
Critical Evaluation of Web Sites:
http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/eval.html
Written by Brenda Dyck
Microsoft Classroom Teacher Network
2001
WEB MASTER: BRENDA DYCK