A whole new world.

Tonight I read the article, "Engage me or Enrage: What Today's Learners Demand". I found it incredibly eye-opening. The article began with a description of three types of students: 1) those who are self-motivated, 2) those who go through the motions, and 3) those that "tune out". I recognized myself within that list. I am a student who goes through the motions. If I enter a class that does not engage or interest me, I will do whatever I need to do to get an okay grade, but nothing more. I can also be a student that tunes out. I have sat through countless classes imagining what I would say to the cute guy in my next class or doodling on the side of my paper. I was so completely bored in one class that I spent three consecutive class periods listing all of the movies I had seen.

I completely understand what Marc Prensky was attempting to reveal. Kids these days need to want to learn. They need to be challenged. They need to have options and some kind of control over what they are doing. They need to be impressed with a class, instead of put to sleep. Many students live for their technology, ie. laptops, i-pods, cell phones. As educators, we need to understand the importance and relevance of these items. It is our job to bring recognizable technology into the classroom in order for students to feel intrigued. There is so much out there that can be used to light up a classroom. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to find that light and let it shine.