I just got back from a conference where many of us had our laptops, iPods, iPads, and smart Phones. There were about 50 people there and the network was a little slow. This was with about 1/2 the people using digital devices. We had to be patient. Not being sure of the connection, I took my notes with pen and paper in this huge 3-ring binder that I have organized for this professional organization. My working tote was larger than my overnight bag.
My youngest son is in college. He gives me a hard time about doing my work the old way with pen and paper. He says, "And you do technology? Mother, you use 2 laptops, an iPod, and a cellphone. You don't need all that other stuff."
My response has always been, "I just want to be sure I have everything I need." My thoughts are that there is a difference between a digital native, my son who has grown up with technology, and an immigrant to technology, myself who while in high school during the 70's used a typewriter. He tells me that soon there won't be any textbooks to put in book bags. He claims that they will all be on line or digital CD/DVD and that they will fit in your hand easily.
I have been reading about how the students in the 21st Century are going all digital. The LA Times internet site has an article in the Sunday, Aug 1, 2010 about a seventh grader who downloaded "The Elements: A Visual Exploration" on her iPad. She called the e-book "a breath of fresh air" compared to her classroom chemistry textbook. (Doug Benz / For The Times).
Why was it so much better? It was full of interactive, engaging activities. There were videos and photos that made the book seem real. She could click on links to get more information or that would take her further into the scientific elements she was studying. She could rotate the images with the touch of her finger. The sound, animated photos and graphics along with clicking on links of the internet made her classroom book come alive. Earlier that evening she had downloaded the book with the idea that she it would put her right to sleep. Before she new it she had been reading and investigating for three hours and it was past her bedtime.
I thought that was AWESOME! As an educator, I am all about getting my students engaged and being investigators. I am willing to teach using several different medias and strategies. My goal has always been to find the key to unlock llife long learning in my students. I see my role changing from one where I know the content and most of the answers to one where I am learning right along side my students using online materials and digital devices. Am I ready to read a book on my computer or iPod or an iPad? If I'm going to be successful in the 21st Century, I need to get started.
