e learning!

flickrimage: ‘Confidence‘
www.flickr.com/photos/93333720@N00/233716701

Upon reading the Rainie article, Teens and technology and the world to come, a number of things sprung to mind. Certainly the information presented was in many cases true, however a there are a few statements I feel compelled to disagree with.

Firsly, it is stated that this generation of digital natives are confident and follows on to say that “this is the generation reared with an obsession about their self esteem and it shows”. It certaintly does show, but the word confidence doesn’t exactly scream at me. Yes, when installing and learning a new program on the computer or programming their ipod, this generation can act without hesitation. But merely raising their hand in class to attempt an answer, well now things are starting to look daunting. Confidence comes in many forms, but surely having a go and not worrying too much about a temporarily damaged ego is part of confidence too.

Another point is that “students go straight to the Internet when starting an assignment to seek information”. I don’t want to be a complete cynic and yes this is not an entirley bad thing at all. Fulfill that curiosity. However, is this why students often fail to start an activity in class when they actually have to think. Google and Wikipedia are not there to magically present those much needed answers with minimal effort.

Technology is here and it brings its countless benefits. But let’s not be too quick to push the downfalls aside.

Source: Rainie, L. (2005) Life online: Teens and technology and the world to come. Speech to annual conference of Public Library Association. 23/3/06. Washington, Pew Internet & American Life. (Or from: http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/63/presentation_display.asp )

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