Digital native

Characteristics of Digital Natives
· Enjoy the use of technology
· Find reading mundane and boring
· They are good in researching for information using technology
· They think differently from the older generation. Their brain is structured differently
· Their sense of logic is excellent. (3D thinking)
· Higher responsiveness due to playing games
· Their brain lacks of the ability to reflect


http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-virginia-video
I chose Virginia as she is a 14 year old girl, which is a Secondary 2 student in Singapore context. In terms of technology, she is very much similar to a typical Secondary 2 playing facebook, Wii, Handphone.
However, I noticed that her class incorporates secondlife into their lessons. This is something Singapore education system has not done yet. Her lesson has become more self directed with more technology while Singapore is still in a situation where teachers are trying to break free from the traditional teaching.
How might teachers in Singapore today engage and teach our digital natives?
Teachers will have to use technologies in their lesson to engage our students. We will have to explore all sorts of pedagogical approaches instead of relying on one to teach our lessons.


Part B
As I look into the future, many uncertainties appeared in my mind. Will the future generations exploit those high technologies and do something harmful? Look at the movie ‘Gamers’ for instance. Human controlling humans. What will happen if something like that happen in the future?
Frankly, I am afraid that I will not be able to catch up with the new technologies that I have to bring to the class. Also, with new technology means more preparation in providing students with the technologies. I will have to try hard to keep up to be able to relate to the younger generation.
There will definitely be advantages in teaching. Teachers will not be required to stand in front of the classroom with a whiteboard marker teaching theories to the class. Instead, students will be actively searching for the information and increasing their knowledge of the subject and daily life on their own.
I predict in the future, humans no longer have to do manual work. For example, housework will be done with machines that do not require man to work so hard. Reading new without paper (online or digital newspaper). Learning will be done using new technology such as secondLife. It will interesting and I predict students will find more interest in learning. As quoted from the 15 year old Nicole, “I can see value to what I am doing”. I believe it will be what the new generations will think if ‘old fashioned teaching’ is eradicated.