Digital Youth
Web 2.0 Product
Melissa Leonard ~ INFO 5960 ~ Spring 2017
Who are Digital Natives?
How do they participate?
Today's youth use technology at different levels of participation simultaneously, depending on their level of interest in content and creation.
Hanging Out
Youth use various forms of media to socialize and connect with peers as well as to establish a sense of self independent of their parents. They have established social norms that are closely aligned with offline behaviors. Over half of teens say they hang out online through social media and games. 76% of teens use social media, and most of them feel that it helps them create better relationships with their peers.
Messing Around
Youth use technology to explore new interests and entertain themselves. They collaborate with one another, expand their interests, and keep up with social trends and pop culture.
Geeking Out
Some teens interact in specialized groups at deep levels. These groups provide them the opportunity to learn from "experts" who can help them hone specific skills, give them feedback on their work, and provide forums to share their creations. Youth who are "geeking out" are more likely to interact online with people that they don't know offline than others who are just hanging out or messing around.
How do they learn?
How can educators respond?
Changing how we teach
ISTE Standards
Education today must cultivate student collaborators, innovators, creators, and real-world problem solvers. That is what digital youth expect and what they will need in order to be successful in the future.
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References
Ito, M., Baumer, S., Bittanti, M., boyd, d., Cody, R., Herr-Stephenson, B., ... Tripp, L. (2010).
Hanging out, messing around, and geeking out: Kids living and learning with new media.
Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.
Lenhart, A. (2015, April 19). Teens, social media, & technology overview 2015. Retrieved from www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/