Adam Wessel's Page

I would consider myself a hybrid between the digital immigrant and native.  I’m not sure I can fully associate myself with either group entirely.  I’m relatively young, 30, and do use a number of technological mediums (facebook, twitter, blogger, etc.) that are being utilized by my students on a daily basis.  In that respect, I would consider myself a native.  However, I feel that there are a number of things that I can improve upon when it comes to using technology in the classroom.  I do utilize technology in my classroom but, I don’t consider it a strength of mine.  I know there are many technological mediums that my students currently use that I know very little about.  I do feel that I utilize technology more than most of my colleagues and I feel my students appreciate this about my class.  I also know that there is much to be learned.  This leads me to believe that I’m a digital immigrant.  In a metaphorical sense I’m working towards achieving my digital green card.  I’m completely open to learning any technological advances that can assist my students, further engage them, and strengthen my teaching practices. 

The videos and readings were very interesting for a number of reasons.  Some of the statistics that were mentioned in the video, “A Vision of Students Today,” were staggering.  Those statistics alone are quite revealing about how student learning has progressed.  Obviously, technology plays an integral role in their education and will no doubt continue to play an important role in their life in the professional world.  It’s also made me realize that to not take advantage of technology in the classroom is foolish and a disservice to your students.  The internet and the use of hypertext is such a diverse resource and can be very beneficial to any educator.  The videos also make me further realize that in order to engage students in today’s classroom you have to use technology.  The days of standing in front of a classroom and lecturing for long periods of time are over.  Chances are there is some form of technology that can better express your lecture and do a better job of engaging your students.  

The video, “A Vision of Students Today” also made me realize the large amount of writing and reading that students today are still doing.  However, it is being done in different mediums than writing papers and reading textbooks and novels.  As an English teacher I am still concerned with the state of student writing today.  I still feel that students need to learn the fundamental process of writing and all that is associated with it in order to be successful in their academic and professional work.  In the video, one statistic was mentioned that an average student will write 42 pages for a class and over 500 pages of e-mail.  I still feel that students need to understand the writing process and write “pages” before they can successfully write an effective “e-mail.”  I suppose that is the immigrant in me coming out!  However, I’m beginning to realize that the “pages” that students are required to write can be composed in e-mail form, or in a blog, or any other technological medium that students utilize.  That’s the native revealing itself!

The readings and videos helped to further strengthen my belief that the advancement of technology is inevitable.  I feel that is a good thing and very exciting!  I’m eager to be a participant in this advancement and learn new ways that I can utilize technology to increase student engagement and learning, while allowing students to use technology that they will benefit from using.