Ian Jukes: Digital Natives

Do kids really think differently than they did 50 years ago? Ian Jukes convinces his audience that children's brains are not the same today and has science to back up his claims. With our evolving technology, students in the 21st century are labeled as "digital natives" as gadgets such as video games, i-pods, cellphones and computers are a part of their everyday experience and ability to interact socially with others. I agree with some of Jukes points that teachers do need to play and become familiar with new teaching strategies--in an ability to connect with our students. After all, communicating ideas through blogs can strengthen reading and writing skills, creating audio podcasts can enrich classroom learning.
But should all learning or play as Jukes states come from digital gadgets...I don't think so. He says that play is work. That's a true statement. However, my 5 year old daughter has played in her daycare setting without any manipulation with technology and she can think critically, problem solve, is extremely artistic, desires to do work independently, and loves learning through..play. Her experience did not happen through video game playing or spending hours on a computer screen to learn letters. We can "sculpt" minds and technology can do that. I just think BALANCE is crucial and educators can not jump off the deep end and still not implement tried and true methods of student engagement. I still believe class discussion and analysis of literature through Socratic circles is an effective strategy..and Socrates is old..yet a tried and true method. Before teachers go crazy over all the digital "toys" and "game-playing", don't forget to use manipulatives that you know work..and still makes kids have fun and yes...play!