This week in EME6414 I read an article titled, The ‘digital native’ in context: tensions associated with importing Web 2.0 practices into the school setting, by Charles Cook. I found the results of this study quite surprising as it analyzed students' reactions to web 2.0 technologies and using those in the classroom. AS educators we might expect students who are digital natives to welcome technology and social media in the school setting with open arms but according to this study, that is not the case.
First off, I was surprised by the few responses from students who preferred and trusted books over Google searches when doing research. The students were concerned with the trustworthiness of multiple conflicting internet sites and believe books to hold more truth. I think if this is the case, the students being wary of information on the internet, students should be taught to determine the validity of websites. Also, students believe that by using books good information is easier to pinpoint versus on the internet where you have to sift through a multitude of information on Google.
Another thing I found interesting from this article was the fact that students were not interested in collaborating with each other through VLE. They said they would prefer to talk and work on projects in person. On the other hand, they think it is beneficial to reach out to teachers through web 2.0 technologies to get homework help, get missing work, and turn in assignments.
The students also mentioned that they would not like the context collapse associated with using their personal social media accounts for school related activities. They felt as though if these platforms converged they may face embarrassment from other peers or teachers saw the more personal side they presented on social media. However, the downside to not using the same platforms for school was their concern that they would not think to log in as much and participate.
Overall, this article was very interesting because I assumed that students who are "digital natives" would be welcoming web 2.0 technologies with open arms, but that was not the case in this study. Since this study is about 6 years old, I think I would like to see this replicated with the same age group today. Maybe 6 years has made a difference and teenagers are even more immersed in web 2.0 technologies than in 2012.
My research in the last 2 years has similar findings. They don't want the context collapse, and do a lot to avoid it. They're also uncertain about how to use this technology for school (which may reflect lack of experience in that area). They're good at what they do, but that's not representative of all that can be done with social media.
ReplyDelete