After reading Marc Prensky’s opinion of the new age "Digital Natives"and "Engage or Enrage" theories. I could critically analyse his work and find loopholes to discredit his generalised theories but I honestly don’t want to. From my own learning experiences and that of my younger siblings (being the eldest of five) I have encountered the ‘engage or enrage’ student, my youngest brother of fourteen. I can even see myself as a ‘student who goes through the motions’ (whilst at high school of course). I do not however believe that all students will be enraged if they are not engaged through ‘gameplay’, there are many other factors that contribute to the outcomes of their learning experiences.
Learners of today are brought up in an environment full of technological shortcuts, even with better knowledge of technology compared to adults and at a very young age. This is due to being so easily accessible and used on a day to day basis.
Today’s learners need ICT to aid them in their learning process, not for it to control their learning environment, which I feel is what Prensky is wholly suggesting. Teachers should adapt to their students responsiveness to technology if only to understand their students better. Which brings up the concept that not all students today are ICT savvy or like the idea of learning purely digital experiences. I feel this would not help a young adult when entering the real world if they rely heavily upon their education being soley through ‘gameplay’.
I am agreeing with everything Prensky is saying but I do feel that we need to find new ways through ICT to engage the students of today, as they do have so much more stimulation outside of the classroom and are becoming increasingly difficult to motivate in their learning.
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