Digital Learners Interview by Amy Sudol

Know

asudol2 — 2019-09-25 02:34:09 UTC

- Four 5th grade students had attended Parkwood Elementary School since at least 1st Grade.

- In 1st grade, they had used Chromebooks to publish their writing on Google Docs, they had explored Plickers and ChatterPix, and they had learned content through PebbleGo, BrainPOP Jr., DreamBox, and Lexia Core 5.

- In 2nd through 4th grade, the students have had access to a grade-level Chromebook cart and a computer lab once a week.

Want to Learn

asudol2 — 2019-09-25 02:34:29 UTC

- How have students continued to grow into digital learners since 1st grade?
Questions to ask students to learn their current level of identification as a digital learner.

How do you learn best?
Describe a time that you were excited about learning.
What would make learning more interesting for you at school?
What technology tools do you use outside of school? What do you use them for?
What technology tools do you use in school? What do you use them for? Which ones do you wish you got to use more? Why?
Do you think technology makes learning more interesting? If so, how?

Learned

asudol2 — 2019-09-25 02:34:38 UTC

- The majority of the students (3/4) still saw the teacher as the "Sage on the stage".

When responding to how they learned best, students said: "By looking on the board.", "By listening and following directions.", and "If I get help."

- I was disappointed when hearing the students' describe a time they were excited about learning. One mentioned taking tests, one just wanted to do work, and one said the last time he was excited about learning was in first grade! I was really hoping to hear about the amazing things they had done with technology since leaving me, but all the one student could remember was,

"When I was in first grade, you gave me a future scientist award. I still have it in my room."

- Half of the students thought games would make learning more interesting, one thought dancing would, and one thought if they listened more it might be more fun.

- Outside of school, the students use computers and phones to play games, learn new things, and call their parents.
- In school, the students use computers for learning programs and for non-educational games in the computer lab.

The only tech one student said he used was a calculator! "I use a calculator in math for subtracting stuff."

- All students said they think technology makes learning more interesting!

"Yes, because it's easier to write on the computer than paper." and "Yeah, because it helps you."

"Ahas" from my Learning

asudol2 — 2019-09-25 02:35:58 UTC

While I had hoped students would have continued to grow as digital learners in school from leaving my class at the end of 1st grade to the beginning of 5th grade, it appears as though most of their digital learning has developed outside of school. While they do use Chromebooks in class, it seems it is only for district provided learning programs or free-time in the computer lab. This does not follow technology best practices of students collaborating while using technology or using technology to create. The students also reinforced my knowledge that they love games and prefer to learn through them. Lastly, I truly believe these students are at a disservice by not being introduced to and using more technology in the classroom. These students will need to know how to use technology as they continue in their academic careers and into their professional careers. It also would enhance their learning and lead to life-long learners, as these students believe technology makes learning more interesting.