Book Information: __________________________________ Title: Teaching Digital Natives: Partnering for Real Learning Author: Mark Prensky |
In "Teaching Digital Natives: Partnering for Real Learning" Mark Prensky explores what it is like to teach today's learners (21st century learners). Prensky refers to learners today who grew up with technology access as "digital natives" or "digital immigrants." He expresses that students have never had the technology access that this generation has grown up with, meaning that no generation has needed to be taught the same as this generation. Prensky explores the idea that technology is a tool for learning and getting stuff done, and can be extremely beneficial in the classroom. He expresses the importance of teaching students 21st century skills to prepare them for adulthood today, as well as the required curriculum. He also explores the idea of implementing partnering in the classroom (a pedagogy in which students actively learn and grow and teachers mainly serve as a guide and support system) More information on Prensky's book can be found in my summary on the "Blogs" page of this website. The remaining materials on this page will include teaching strategies for the digital age, following along with the ideals of Prensky. |
21st Century Learning & Skills:
Today's learners must be taught differently than the learners before them. They have grown up with technology access for the most part, and they want to use the tools that they have grown so accustomed to. They want their learning to be real, relevant, and highly engaging. Today's learners also need to acquire a different set of skills than any other generation of learners, 21st century skills. These skills will prepare students the best they can for a future that will include jobs and technology that have not even been imagined yet. |
THE FLIPPED CLASSROOM |
The flipped classroom approach is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning that's goal is to increase student engagement and retention by having students focus on reading and/or watching instructional materials at home and using class time to problem-solve, and apply and practice what is learned. Learn more in my flipped classroom video linked to the left. |
Constructivism is a learning theory that says that students actively create knowledge and construct knowledge through experience and reflection. Constructivism is supported by many well-known educational theorists, including but not limited to the following: Piaget, Dewey, Vygotsky, and Bruner.
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Project Based Learning (PBL) is a partnering pedagogy in which students learn through completing real-world and meaningful projects. Unlike normal school projects where projects are meant to reflect learning after completing a lesson, in project based learning the project is where learning takes place (it is the unit or lesson). These projects typically involve collaboration with peers and result in a product that will be seen by a real-world audience.
PBL Works - additional information HERE |