Digital Natives and Other Mythical Beasts

Abstract

Tales abound in popular magazines and academic publications of technologically savvy adolescents with near-magical powers. Whether celebratory or despairing, however, claims and assumptions about these roaming packs of digitally-nimble young people are often based on flawed – or nonexistent – research. Concurrently, educators may find themselves pursued by shadowy specters of what “everybody knows” about teaching, learning, students, and all things brain-ish. “But, does it really matter,” you might ask, “if a student believes that humans have a shorter attention span than a goldfish?” Short answer: Yes, it does matter, indeed. This presentation will propose a longer answer to that question by unearthing the sources of these legends, shining the light of day on the true nature of such creatures, and offering strategies for combating the pernicious effects of their influence. (Torches and pitchforks optional.)