Digital Natives

The video and article concerning digital natives and digital immigrants were very interesting and thought provocative. I agree with many of the points made in both but......I think it does not pertain so much to younger children. And if younger children are introduced to books, reading, writing, and other..more tactile than virtual..things that they may retain their love and need for this type media their whole life. My kindergarteners listen with delight as I read the classics (Make Way for Ducklings, The Biggest Bear, Blueberries for Sal, anything Dr. Seuss, etc.) to them and they want to hear them again and again. They also enjoy looking at these books over and over again. They have such pride and get such pleasure in taking home books they can read to their parents. The children cannot wait to take a new book home to read for 'homework'. They enjoy writing (with pencil, marker, crayon, blood--just kidding--, paint, etc.) their own words. They need the feel of the writing to get the full learning process. They love the manipulatives we use in math and science. And what child doesn't love center activities...home center, blocks, puzzles, art, geoboards, sand and water tables. You can't get that from a keyboard or a SmartBoard. The digital media is essential but the younger children need both digital and 'the old way'.

The parents of these young children are probably some of the first digital natives but I know they get much pleasure from their children learning the old way, being taught with books, paper and pencil, manipulatives, and lots of talking and interacting with the teacher and with each other. I try to give them experiences in both worlds but in a small, rural school this can be difficult. I know they are learning...I see that everyday...and it's wonderful. Would they learn more or better in a digital world? No I don't think so. Would they have more fun in a digital world? No I don't think so. Would they miss out on a lot of interaction, social skill building, and just plain fun in a digital world? YES I do think so.