Although new generations are very digitally oriented, they need our help as instructors and educators to guide them through 21st century demands.
Therefore, teaching digital media and technology has become more challenging and puts pressure on instructors to use the right tools and methods to equip this dynamic generation with what the world market needs and demands.
Using new digital technology tools in teaching, such as videos, web 2.0 tools, and visual presentations, helps broaden students’ spectrum and stimulates their creative thinking. New generations need to be challenged to prepare them for 21st century demands. Being good in one thing is not enough in this world. Creative thinking, hard work, and professional interpersonal communication are recommended and anticipated skills in this market. In his writing, Ohler (2009) stated, “As our students migrate to new media, we must blend the essential aspects of more traditional media with the offerings of new forms of media. While students may be tech savvy, I have found that they often need help navigating the new-media maze to create narrative that is coherent, relevant, and meaningful, regardless of the media they use. Thus our role as instructors is more important than ever.”
Specifically, web 2.0 changed the world of online learning. It is the tool that will put the new generation where they want and should be. Web 2.0 is a learning environment in which students can learn from each other. Furthermore, web 2.0 opens the door for sharing ideas, team working, developing interpersonal communication skills, and more. Because new generations are digital learners, they learn by seeing. In his 2009 writing, David further stated, “Rather than ignoring this fact of life, educators and education policymakers should embrace it. From video games to social networks, incorporating what students are doing online into the school curriculum holds great, and perhaps the only, promise for keeping students engaged in learning. By integrating elements of digital media literacy into their instruction, teachers can influence how well students critically assess content, both online and offline.”
It is our responsibility as instructors to help students to participate and engage in a learning environment in which thinking out of the box and looking at things from different points of views is the goal. Furthermore, it is our duty to use and search for the right technological tools that will put learners one step closer to their dream.
Mohamed Bahrani
Ohler, Jason. (2009). New-Media Literacy. Academe, 95(3), 30-33. Retrieved on August 13, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=102&sid=10e60cfa-81a7-4b5b-bc6b-12cae96a045e%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d
David, Jane L. (2009). Teaching Media Literacy. Educational Leadership, 66(6). Retrieved on August 13, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=9&sid=10e60cfa-81a7-4b5b-bc6b-12cae96a045e%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=36666633
Resources:
http://www.unesco.org/education/uie/pdf/revisitingLLL.pdf
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