General Impressions of Technology in the Classroom

I have been told over and over again that this is the generation of the digital native. While I agree that my students are indeed digital natives, I must disagree with the experts who tell us that all students are computer and technologically savvy.

As I implement digital technology in my classroom, I have been very careful to use it in a manner that is consistent with what I am teaching...so it will make sense... However, I have found that the majority of the students are resistant to the unfamiliar format instead of embracing it as I had anticipated. In this third week, I have had many complaints from the students about using the computers so much. Some even requested paperwork.

I discussed this phenomenon with a colleague and we came to several conclusions about creating online portfolios, lab reports and using the technology to analyze data.

1. Students are most familiar with and express the most enthusiasm for social and communicative media and primarily use their native digital skills for entertainment.
2. Student are forced to think critically with their own minds when required to produce digital artifacts. 
3. There is no good way to cheat on these types of assignments. 

Thus, students must do their own honest work. This is terribly difficult to many students who have either cheated their way through school or depended on hand-holding to get it all done.

I fear the parental repercussions of my new strategy. I fear that parents and students will rise up against it and try to force a change to the format of the class. I plan to be proactive in the defense of my pedagogy by enlisting the support of my department head and principal.

Can I endure, will my students buy in... we shall see!