Dr. Beth Holmes gave an inspiring presentation on how children growing up in the 21st century think differently than children growing up in previous generations. They are growing in a digital world that creates brain patterns that can process visual and auditory information 30 times more effectively than we can. Below is a list of 8 characteristics of digital learners.
1.Digital Learners prefer receiving information quickly from multiple multimedia sources. Many educators prefer slow and controlled release of information from limited sources.
2.Digital Learners prefer parallel processing and multi-tasking. Many educators prefer singular processing and single or limited tasking.
3.Digital Learners prefer processing pictures, sounds color, and video before text. Many educators prefer to provide text before pictures, sounds, color and video.
4.Digital Learners prefer random access to hyper-linked multimedia information. Many teachers prefer to provide info linearly, logically and sequentially.
5.Digital Learners prefer to network simultaneously with many others. Many educators prefer students to work independently before they network and Interact.
6.Digital Learners prefer to learn “just-in-time.” Many educators prefer to teach “just-in-case.”
7.Digital Learners prefer instant gratification and Immediate rewards. Many educators prefer deferred gratification and delayed rewards.
8.Digital Learners prefer learning that’s relevant, active, instantly useful and fun. Many educators prefer or feel compelled to teach to the curriculum guide and tests.
We’ve learned to teach to a variety of learning modalities in the past – here’s our chance to address the needs of the digital learners we see every day. What are your thoughts about what you learned from Dr. Holmes presentation? Can you think of one way you could make a small change to address some of what was presented and share it?
3 days ago
