I find that education today is a new frontier. Educators must consider using as many options as possible to understand the digital natives. Networking is one common feature among teenagers. Take for example Facebook and Blackberry Messneger. You create a digital community. Information and data at the tips of your fingers. You create a network of people who have one or several devices to be in contact, connected or in touch, why not say updated.I have discovered that learners value educators who use these devices because we can understand what they go through, the addiction of being "connected" "engaged" to people who share, tasks, activities, or work in common.
Once learners sense your true interest in being part of a network for real, that what they produce is being read, graded and valued by others they tend to become fond of learning. You are no longer a guide nor a coach but a motivator for activating the urge for knowledge.
I agree. Nowadays it is important, or rather essential, to get familiar with the ‘universe’ our students live in. Learners are certainly more likely to relate to educators who at least make an effort to understand them. Besides, our world is changing rapidly; what is state-of-the-art now might be obsolete in 5, 3, even 2 years. It’s up to us whether we deny the changes or embrace them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog. Loved reading your posts. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks Cesar.
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