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After conducting the Digital Learner Interview, I have found that, specifically at my current school, we may not be taking advantage of all there is to offer to enhance student learning. I've learned that students want to be challenged in different ways and they prefer to have options when it comes to their own learning. They also have a lot of really great suggestions that can help educators add variety to their instruction, and believe it would benefit teachers to allow their students to be involved in the planning of instruction.

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The learners were also very aware of what is to come in the 21st century workforce.  They explained that they they want to engage in learning that is more applicable and practical to what they will need in their future field of study.  They had a lot of suggestions for what types technology and apps they would be interested in using which included:
-Incorporating social media such as a class wall.
-Facetiming with students from different regions.
-Using cell phones and iPads.
-Making videos.
They expressed a lot of enthusiasm when coming up with these ideas.

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Most students value cell phones when it comes to their personal life. All of the learners stated that cell phones are their most used technological tool and they would be interested in using it as a tool in class. Using a cell phone in the classroom can help close the gap and make learning more engaging.

I asked one 2 learners how cell phones could be used in their learning. One was interested in listening to music during independent study. Another explained on how research on their phone can help expand on difficult concepts.

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Students want to know the connection between what they are learning and the "real world". They want to be able to apply the skills and knowledge that they gain in school into their personal lives, but also connect aspects of their personal life and make connections in the classroom as well. When asked, "what would make learning more interesting? One learner replied "relating what we learn to real-life situations."

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This point was also supported when exploringe what technology they used and how they used it.  All of the learners explained that they use their cell phones to communicate with others and also showed interest in having pen pals to communicate with as well.  This is a connection that needs to be made in the classroom.      Collaboration can promote a deeper level of thinking that may not be reached when working independently.

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During my interview, I also found that students enjoy when teachers interact with them as well. One learner stated "I learn best when I have good communication with my teachers, I feel more comfortable in that type of environment". Others also mentioned that when the teachers interact with them they are more interested in what they are teaching.

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8 of the 9 learners mentioned collaborating with the their peers as a way of feeling connected in their classroom. One learner explained, " I like when everyone is in on the conversation about a certain topic. It shows that everyone is engaged, and builds more of a close class community".

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I also wanted to know what types of classes the learners were interested in.  Most replied that their favorite classes were mostly sciences, arts, and STEM classes, with a couple stating that they did enjoy math.

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This theme was also supported when asked to describe a time when the learners were excited about learning, with 6 of the 9 learners describing experiments they conducted in a science class.

One learner specifically stated "we were building robots, it was fun because it was interactive, not just listening to the teacher and taking notes."

This type of learning adds more variety to instruction, which keeps students engaged and able to explore different skills..

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When asked "How do you learn best in school?", the majority of the learners replied that they are more engaged when doing hands-on activities.  Project-based learning is more practical and challenges students to investigate by making their own choices and connections. A few others expressed interest in visual concepts as well.