In "Growing Up Digital", by Don Tapscott, he explores how people between the ages of 11 and 30 - the generation the has grown up with digital technology - use technology to learn, communicate and socialize. He characterizes the Net Generation as incredibly flexible, adaptable and multimedia savvy. They are more adept at multitasking using a variety of digital technologies. As we pursue our own technology initiative, I wonder is this true of our students. If so, do these qualities benefit them as learners?

I recently had an opportunity to observe the fifth grade students in our Global Awareness Club participate in a video conference with a teacher from Australia. She was sharing her experiences as a team leader for the non-profit organization Teachers Without Borders. In this video conference, this teacher volunteer shared her experiences working in poor rural communities in South Africa and Kenya. She described the problems of poverty, limited resources and lack of technology as well as serious health issues faced by these communities.

I thought her presentation was riveting. When I looked up to see the children's reaction, what I saw surprised me. The children were were all intently typing away on their laptops. At first I thought -How could they not be fascinated by the story that this teacher was sharing with them? As I looked over their shoulders, I realized that the children were utilizing a live blogging tool Cover It Live to engage in an dynamic conversation in which they were sharing their reactions and reflecting on what they were learning through this experience. Some children noted facts that amazed them, others wondered what they could do to help the children in these schools, and others jotted down questions. I was amazed by their ability to listen attentively to the presenter and engage simultaneously in a real-time conversation. This conversation demonstrated high levels of critical thinking skills and student engagement.

I want to take an opportunity to share with you a video that one of our fifth graders created about our video conference visit with author Peter Golenbock. Utilizing a flip camera, MS Moviemaker and You Tube, he did a very impressive job of editing and producing a video that captures the experience through the eyes of children.



In speaking with him about this project, he radiated his enthusiasm and was eager to share what he learned through this experience. He is looking forward to working with other students in creating other videos. Among the many things that amaze me about this project, is the realization that with little more assistance than providing them with the right tools children are capable of creating sophisticated multimedia work products.

Certainly our children seem to possess the abilities supported by the research in "Growing Up Digital", and I think that these affinities and abilities have interesting implications for teaching and learning.