Generation Digital

I have to say that I have been quite inspired by this week's Net Generation Readings. Some of the videos that I found moving were Welcome to my PLE, A Vision of K12 Students Today, and Discover Information Literacy. They have all impacted my view somehow on the use of technology. I have to admit I was a bit of a traditionalist before taking this class on literacy and technology. I joked with my students about playing too many video games or spending too much time on Facebook. I didn't see the value of social networking or gaming. I didn't see how these could be a useful collaboration tool or problem solving activity. I also felt that too much technology resulted in "data smog", not realizing that technology literacy was the solution to feeling overwhelmed and boggled down by information. Through reading about 21Century Literacy, I feel as though I was lifted through the clouds and now see with much clarity. As a teacher of six years, I now feel compelled to present 21st century literacy to my 7th & 8th graders so they can see past the clouds or feelings of confusion. These videos also allowed me to gain a student's perspective on how they feel about technology. It gave me insight into their wants, habits, and needs. Most of them are online. Now I know how to work with this generation of students. I'm learning how I can use their world to teach and engage them. I want my students to have opportunities to explore the way Dr. S has encouraged us to. I truly feel enlightened by these readings. I not only see past the smog, but I see the various colors of the rainbow.