Week 11 - 10/12/13 - Don't let the Natives get restless.

It was the first time I had met Dan Hodge, he was certainly a man passionate about his field and while I feel as though I am quite up to date with all things technical, he introduced me to a few new approaches and concepts - Thanks.

This image made the biggest impression upon me and also sums up why education has no option but to move with the technological bandwagon.

This generation now have mobile devices as extensions to themselves, they may as well be welded to their hands. This image isn't even of a concert, but rather what many would consider as a sombre, religious occasion... Still, out come the devices to record the event. Unlike times past when photographs may have been taken, stuck into an album and inflicted upon dinner guests... almost instantly, pictures, video and sound, along with personal comments and reflections are being recorded and circulated worldwide, not just for friends, but as in the case of me - a stranger to all those in attendance - here I am musing over an image and continuing the discussion in my own little way here on my blog.

This is the technologically accelerating world we are in... Tutors too.

"Digital natives" was a term used - in essence, all those born during or just after the general introduction of digital technologies and through interaction with these devices from an early age, have an understanding of it's concepts.

The impact that this is having and will continue to have on the education fraternity, was commented upon by the educator Louis Fourie, He made comments that spoke of the classroom as no longer being an insular environment, but rather as having " walls that are porous". We are all becoming connected to our communities and a wealth of knowledge in the world. A lecturer's role is changing from a dispenser of information to a facilitator of learning.

As you can imagine, the numerous applications out there can create a problem in itself. Attention must be paid to make sure that a persons most precious commodity - time - isn't frittered away on less important things. Care must also be taken so that personal information remains so, and a moment of carelessness doesn't result in painful repercussions.

When care is take, it is very clear to see the benefits to students and teachers alike. 

For example:

• For any with learning difficulties, using a variety of applications could assist them to overcome their personal barrier to learning -  video, voice recognition software, mind mapping apps could circumnavigate some difficulties.
• using blogs to regularly submit work can allow a tutor to monitor and offer feedback more routinely.
• Less reliance on paper and printing, a real potential to reduce costs.
• Possibly easier for some students training in more practical subjects to more accurately report upon their work using video, rather than trying to translate an exercise into a written essay.

While I love my technology and I am quite happy to hang out with the natives. I sincerely believe that technology should be embraced as a compliment to the more traditional academic skills and not mark their total demise.