Transcription

John Eyles – johneyles.com

“I think it was Prensky that coined the phrase ‘digital immigrant’ and ‘digital native’ and I think he did a disservice – but it was great for his own promotion. We are all digital pioneers in this space but one of the distinctions I suppose is that the kids have been born with this technology available to them, so for them it is like chewing gum and they can use it very readily. For me, I’ve been involved in the space for a long time but it wasn’t there when I was born. Having said that, I have seen a lot of research that shows that kids’ knowledge of the Internet and knowledge of new media technologies is actually a very, very thin slice of the larger pie and was one of the things that spurred Project Mobilise on was seeing and being saddened by many teachers holding up their hands and saying, “Oh the kids know more than I do. I’ve only got five years left before I retire” and being defeatist about it and feeling that their role no longer had a purpose. I certainly don’t think that’s the case at all. Yes, there is a shift that teaching roles are becoming more as facilitators and yes, the types of activities mediated by these technologies are going to be different. But the wise head – the person who can choreograph a really engaging learning experience with outcomes that are going to foster all sorts of competences that the kids require – is really, really vital, more vital probably than ever before because the future is unknown and we need to prepare kids for an unknown future as best that we can.”

 

Contribute

Down to the Wire is a story that evolves with your memories and contributions so please contribute personal anecdotes, key events and web resources you think others might find useful.

If you know of a good web resource with more information give us the http://www and we'll include it.
Remember something interesting from the year? Give us a quick story!
If you know of any significant event that you think we should mention - give us the details and we'll include it.
If you know someone who tells a great, kiwi Internet related, yarn - let us know who and we'll get in touch to ask them about appearing in a video.
Any general thoughts on the project? Likes or dislikes, let us know how we can evolve the site to be the best resource.

Add a Website of the Year

Down to the Wire is a story that evolves with your memories and contributions. Let us know what you think were the exciting local websites of the year.

Even on the Internet space is limited so we can't mention every site, but we'll do our best to include your suggestion if you tell us why.