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Digital Natives – also known as Generation Z – are people born between 1990 and the late 2000′s. They have never known a time before computers and video games. Most have never known a time before the World Wide Web. They are sitting in your classroom. They are digital natives. They are different than their teachers. They are different than any group to ever come through the school systems. They think and process information differently than any group in the past. They are used to receiving lots of information and receiving it in seconds. They like to parallel process and multi-task. They prefer graphics over text. They like random access (hypertext). They want instant gratification. They want frequent rewards. They prefer games to serious work. They are used to instantaneous access to information and music. They are used to instant messages. They have been networked all of their lives. They have little patience for the teacher who lectures. They complain that they have to "power down" when they come to school. They have a hard time paying attention without their devices. They often question whether paying attention is even worth the effort. They don't understand why teachers struggle with the very things that come to them naturally.

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As educators, we need to think about what we can do to meet the 21st century student where he is. What can we change and do better? Can we change content? Can we change delivery methods? Can we change assignments? These students love to create. How can we engage them? We need to meet them where they are - in their world of technology.

Schools need to make the effort to teach differently. We are no longer "experts" at everything. We can let go of some of the control and be OK with the idea that "I will learn something from my students today." We can learn side by side with our students. We can use technology to differentiate our instruction.

Technology is the way the world is. It isn't a fad. It isn't going away. As educators, we have a responsibility to make sure our students can use it effectively and appropriately. We have a responsibility to teach younger generations how it all works. While we still filter and block inappropriate content, we need to teach children to make wise choices. We need to educate them in safe internet use and social media not simply try to avoid it.

As educators we should emphasize lifelong learning. We need graduates who can think, solve problems, find information, analyze information, communicate with others, and collaborate. It's not about how much you have memorized. It's about finding information. processing it, and working with others. However, with that said, we can't just throw the technology into the classroom and hope for the best. We need to purposely use the technology to engage students. We need to empower students to collaborate and solve real-world problems. Technology should be our tool to accomplish the goals at hand.

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