Ian Jukes Reflections . . .

"Stop and consider the implications of this constant exposure, this digital bombardment to these digital devices" (Jukes). Listening to Jukes in this audio presentation and reflecting on his presentation in San Antonio, I can't help but think about how important it is for our schools to not only embrace technology, but to become in themselves, a "digital bombardment" for learning. Not that we need to be like video games, e-mail, and texting all of the time, but we certainly need to step up to the plate and acknowledge the impact our world is having on the brains of the students who walk through our doors each day. How we can expect to teach these "digital natives" when we as educators have not re-wired ourselves enough to communicate with them effectively?

Is it possible that we have more ELL students in our building than we ever thought possible? If Digital is their first language (DFL), then perhaps English truly is their 2nd language and we have a larger challenge than just reaching those students who speak Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, and various Indian languages. Although they speak "Digital" we continue to teach them with chalk and chalkboards. These kids have grown up with a mouse in their hand and they are ready to learn digitally."

Jukes states that these kids think and process information fundamentally differently than any other generation. Many of our teachers come from a time and a place where technology did not "rule" everything. We have a "digital accent" and do not have the same mindset as the kids who are "digital kids." Research now shows that our brain is constantly reorganizing itself based on the experiences we have in our lives. The intelligence we are born with isn't fixed. Neuroplasticity - on-going re-organization of the brain. Literally that the brain is plastic. It makes new connections and setting up new circuitry. Intensive, sustained stimulus over time. That means the digital world our kids live in really is reprogramming the brain.

It is my belief, that while these kids are wired differently, they do still respond to a caring, nurturing, safe environment that is the foundation of all learning.