e-learning 2

Part 1
• What are some characteristics of digital natives? (What are they good at? What are they poor at?)
One characteristic of digital natives is technology-savvy. Digital natives are more exposed as early as before entering college to technology in the form of videogames, emails, instant messages, digital cell phones, watch TV and seen TV commercials. Reading books happens to be the least and hence, they are poor at it.
Based on neurobiology and social psychologist evidences, digital games need to be inclusive in teaching method for these digital natives. It is a way to build rapport between the students and teacher and hence, creates a meaningful learning. Because of being digital native, they are poor at communicating easily with the teachers-digital immigrants. These students- digital natives can create difficulty with digital immigrants who are differently socialized and think differently.


• Which portrait did you select? (In your blog, create a link to the portrait.) In terms of their digital background, how similar was that student compared to a Singapore student?
I have selected portrait on Olivia, Age 17, California-based, Social Networker. The quote attracts me to get to know her: "I don't have a computer. I don't always have a cell phone, but technology is like my lifeline, and without it, I don't know what I would do" It seems like kids in the generation are made to be experts in technology despite in lack of digital resources.In terms of their digital background, the student is similar by 50% compared to Singapore student. In the school that I have attended for my student internship program, most of the home economics students have cell phones that could access the internet, a social network account like Olivia and they are more likely to favor in using the computer lab for lessons which means they are more interested in lesson involves any digital form. Digital form have animations, colors and an easy way to communicate and get news from the global.
• How might teachers in Singapore today engage and teach our digital natives?
As brains are believed by neurobiologist and social psychologist to be plasticity, teachers might try to consider giving exposure to other non-digital resources for these digital natives.
Too much of digital input in lessons can further support students to be very dependent on digital. Students need to be capable in using digital appropriately and in an effective manner. This can be done by conducting lecture through the use of digital inputs and continued with 1-2 activities that does not involve digital form. Students’ interest can still be engaged through selecting activities that promotes entertainment like Taboo, Twister and Monopoly.
The type of lesson mentioned above can be done in Singapore as more class in schools are now equipped with visualiser and other ICT tools. This has been possible under the MOE initiatives: Masterplan 1, 2 and 3.

Part 2
• As you look into the possible future of the educational landscape, what sort of impressions, fears, or possibilities crossed your mind?
Impressions that teachers need to keep updated of the latest tools or popular digital tools that are used by the community or the students.
Fears that I have is the ability to use the technology up to the standard of the students I am teaching.
Technology tools would be made more available in school other than powerpoints.
• What might living, learning and working be like in the future?
Living in the future will involve a lot on digital tools because they make life more easier. Learning in the future involves more field work, exploration outside of school. Working can be done in the office but reaching to the outside world.
• How is NIE preparing you to prepare your students for this possible future? How might you prepare yourself?
NIE prepares their students with relevant knowledge that exceeds the curriculum taught and creating good pedagogy to cater the students in the future. NIE teaches the student teachers on necessary skills and exposure to possibly new teaching tools that might be useful in the upcoming future.