Digital Natives in Athens
Maybe it was growing up in a small town and being raised by parents that did not go to college, but I do remember a time before the internet. I spent all of my days and night outside playing with my neighborhood friends. I remember my friend's parents exchanging numbers via text message and feeling embarrassed because my mom used a pad of paper and a pen. I remember having dial up internet and a time when you couldn't use the internet and talk on the house phone at the same time. However, I did get a cell phone in middle school. So perhaps I'm a weird mix between Digital Native and Digital Immigrant. I experienced the shock of digital natives at work. I work in the After School Program at Barrow Elementary here in town. During "homework time" I noticed a lot of students pulling out their sleek new Google Chromebooks. Turns out, the county issues new laptops to student in third through fifth grade to use in class and for homework. I was shocked because I know Clarke County is one of the poorest in the state, however, I am overjoyed at the push to add technology in the classroom and I am happy all student are given the same laptops creating a fair and adequate learning experience.
Click here to view my Digital Natives Animation
Click here to view my Digital Natives Animation