I consider myself somewhat of a digital native. I could define every term that was provided, but I think there could be many more terms in the quiz that represent the growing significance of technology in our society. There are many common technologies that I still do not know. I have four brothers and one sister and I feel like I learn about new technology from them every time we are together. On the other hand, when I try to text message my mom on her cell phone, or talk to her about a blog that I did for class, she has no idea what I am talking about.
I would not consider myself to be an emergent learner for digital literacy. Emergent learners in literacy are at the very beginning phases of literacy. I think that I am familiar with enough technology to get by in school and everyday life. I would say that my digital literacy developed ever since I was a young girl. I started to play video games when I was about seven or eight and got an Atari for Christmas. Since then, schools had more and more computers as I progressed through the grades. I think instant messaging influenced the way I write and made me become faster at typing.
I am currently tutoring refugee students and adults in Lansing. I have found that, depending on where they are from and the resources that were available to them, a lot of people I tutor can be considered as emergent digital learners. This is a constant struggle for them, because not only do they have to learn English, but they have to learn how to type papers on a computer, search the internet, and use email. American teachers incorporate technology into lesson plans almost every day, so refugee students need to "catch up" when it comes to digital literacy. Tompkins talks about how emergent learners of literacy sometimes benefit form observing and imitating others. I think that this can also be true for "digital immigrants", especially ESL students.
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2 comments:
Your first paragraph reminded me of my mom and text messaging. I had no idea but she knew how to text message. She could not get a hold of me on my phone and realized that text messaging was the only way she could.
I never realized how difficult technology could be for students who are English language learners. They are trying to understand the culture and English language. Learning technology is almost like learning a whole new language. This is important for teachers to understand.
That is really cool that you tutor people who need help with technology. I think it is something we all take for granted, even looking at how my mom struggles with computers and cell phone I wish I had time to sit there and explain everything!
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