What’s your native language?
Prensky’s (2005) article ‘Listen to the natives‘ argues the point that it is becoming increasingly difficult for teachers to engage students in the 21st century classroom. I agree with this point, and also agree that using technology and media that students are interested in is a great way to engage them, provided it is done in a relevant and meaningful way that supports the curriculum. However, I think some of his suggestions could be problematic, such as always letting students choose their own groups or partners for assignments, as well as an emphasis on mobile phone technologies in the classroom. I think that computer technology is more accessible and acceptable in the classroom than mobiles, not to mention the fact that not every student in the average Australian classroom has a mobile phone, but I believe most have access to a pc, at least at school.
Overall, I agree that students should be taught how to use new and emerging technologies at school and that this knowledge would benefit them greatly in their futures. However while peer tutoring and student-lead lessons may be used effectively in classrooms, I tend to think this is best done occasionally, and that it is up to the teacher to learn the requisite skills to teach new technologies to his or her class.
