Conference paper
The "Digital Generation", Technology, and Educational Change: An Uncommon Vision
Educating: Weaving Research into Practice, Volume 2. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Cognition. Language and Special Education., pp.22-31
International Conference on Cognition, Language, and Special Education, 2nd (Surfers Paradise, Australia, 03-Dec-2004 - 05-Dec-2004)
Griffith University
2004
Abstract
Australia is in a period of fundamental social and cultural reorganisation where individuals and institutions are coming to terms with the effects of rapid and widespread social change. This paper explores how a group of young, aspiring, primary school teachers, of a generation stereotypically identified as the "Digital Generation", understand technological aspects of this unique period. It emanates from a larger study where 70 young adults aged 15 - 24 engaged in a scenario planning exercise to ascertain their understanding of the future and how this might impact on their chosen profession. These aspiring teachers will be moving into an education system which is underpinned by a futures premise based upon the belief that education should prepare students for new workplaces, new technologies, and new cultures. The paper shows that while the participants exhibit many of the characteristics of the "Digital Generation", particularly in relation to their confident use of technology, paradoxically they do not align the changing nature of technology with changes in education. This is problematic if, as claimed, educational change comes about when individuals and institutions share a common vision and has ramifications for future educational reforms that depend upon the cooperation and collaboration of the classroom teacher.
Details
- Title
- The "Digital Generation", Technology, and Educational Change: An Uncommon Vision
- Authors
- Sharn Donnison (Author) - Griffith University
- Contributors
- B J Bartlett (Editor)F Bryer (Editor)D Roebuck (Editor)
- Publication details
- Educating: Weaving Research into Practice, Volume 2. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Cognition. Language and Special Education., pp.22-31
- Conference details
- International Conference on Cognition, Language, and Special Education, 2nd (Surfers Paradise, Australia, 03-Dec-2004 - 05-Dec-2004)
- Publisher
- Griffith University
- ISBN
- 1921166053
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450143202621
- Output Type
- Conference paper
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