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Let Them Be Creative - EdTech 537

7/16/2014

4 Comments

 
For My EdTech 537 class we were asked to read three articles. The first was  by Prensky, the second by McKenzie, and the third by Reeves. In each of the these readings, According to our professor, here are the generalizations that came out of them:

1. while the theory of generational differences exists and is a valid theory, there is no research at present that indicates instructional designers should modify instruction or instructional strategies to accommodate today’s generation of students

2.   there is no reliable and valid research to support the belief that technology has somehow changed today’s generation of students

3.   further to the fact that Prensky’s notion of digital natives isn’t based on research, McKenzie does a convincing job of illustrating how Prensky even misused the anecdotal “evidence”  that he presents to support is beliefs

4.   the only thing that can be said about today’s student, based upon reliable and valid research, is that they are more narcissistic than any previous generation.

While the supposed data is not their to back up the statement that technology has changed how our students are learning, I would like you to meet Dr. Jane McGonigal. Since I travel quite a bit, I have been able to see her speak on multiple occasions. Here are some facts from a presentation of hers I have seen.  In the US., 99% of boys under 18 and 94% of girls play video games regularly, 92% of two year old play games, (usually on an iPad or other type of tablet), and by the age of 21, these children would have played 10,000 hours of video games. 

Whether you like these stats or not, you have take them into consideration. While research out there might not yet be available, many studies are beginning conducted on this. You can also look at the Flipped Learning Network for current research of the Flipped Classroom. Data that did not exist to long ago. 

What we as teachers need to understand is this: Our students brains are geared more for “epic wins” and visual stimuli than in years past. More and more kids are playing games like Minecraft that allow students to create and make their own adventures. Where is this in your classroom? Do you allow students to create? If not, then your students are not getting enough out of school and they seem more disengaged. If you allow them to create, they will be more engaged! 

4 Comments
Paul Pichurskip
7/17/2014 01:39:29 am

Interesting - as well as "epic wins", students with a lot of gaming experiences are used to multiple attempts and instant feedback - these are areas we can also support with in the formal learning environment.

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Paul
7/19/2014 11:45:29 am

When I moved to a flipped classroom model of teaching, one of the old policies I changed was test taking. I allow my students to retake a test if they choose too. Some do and some don't, but they have that option. I also try to give as much feedback as I possibly can without giving to much information. The feedback I give them is intended to drive their learning further. So do and some don't.

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Lynn Johnson link
7/18/2014 09:54:45 am

Interesting connection to creativity. I think that is one of my most favorite parts of our EdTech masters programs as well. So if it is something we like as learners, I am sure it is something our students enjoy. As for gaming, do you think it has changed the way learners learn? How can we utilize the gaming more in the classroom to increase those higher level thinking skills? And are we building collaborators, investigators as well as creators? Interesting post, George.

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Me
7/19/2014 11:52:21 am

Lynn,

I do think gaming and the internet in general have changed education. If a teacher hasn't adopted yet, then I might venture to guess that they have more classroom issues than a teacher who has adapted. Learners now are looking for instant feedback and information. That is in the gaming environment and online. There are two thoughts in gaming in my opinion, actually using games (like MinecraftEDU, Evoke, or something else) and using more student generated games (projects) in the classroom. I use the latter, because students have to work in groups, evaluate, analyze, and apply the information in a meaningful way. So they are hitting on all the points that you bring up. The more freedoms and choice we give our students in their learning, the deeper they will go without us interfering.

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    George Phillip is a social studies teacher and designer.

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