Even though I grew up with varying degrees of technology (video games, some access to computers, etc), the internet was not a widely available technology until almost my senior year of high school. In addition, though we took a computer class in high school, it was one semester long and the computers were built circa 1980. We only had basic as a programming language and half the focus of the class was on typing speed. While I feel comfortable with technology, I possess a lot of the traits discussed by Prensky. Just the other day I printed a paper to edit it. I do look more and more online before checking books, but I still have a strong attachment to the printed page. For whatever reason, I don't like the idea of ereaders, partly because of my attachment to the feel and smell of books. Also, I think there is a lot about technology that I hold in awe, sort of like an immigrant coming to a radically different place.
I do think, though, that the dichotomy between native and immigrant here draws too neat of distinctions. I'm much more comfortable with most technology than my parents are, but presumably much less so than my children will be. It's not new to them. I think there needs to be a third option.
No comments:
Post a Comment