class chat

Yesterday the following question was posed toward the end of class:

"Do your classes reflect these ideas? fast paced, interactive, more tech, more digital lessons, use games, engage, less paper and books, more hands-on, make classes look like internet cafes, varied instruction, demonstration of content through tech"

While my classroom does reflect those ideas at time, I do not consistenly demonstrate those elements in teaching. At the first grade level, it is easy to incorporate more hands-on activities, use more technology, and use a variety of instruction. It is difficult to create a fast paced learning environment when there are so many other needs among my population of students. We are busy dealing with major behavior issues, students who cannot write more than the first letter of their name. While my students are "digital natives" with a lot of game experience, I am finding that 30% of my class has little to no computer experience, so we spend a lot of time learning how to turn on a computer, log in to programs, and navigate through the choice of games. After reading Prensky's articles, I am developing the belief that I need to differentiate my computer instruction and adapt technology use in lessons to reach those that are strong digital natives and those are a form of digital immigrant.