December 2005/January 2006 | Volume 63 | Number 4
Learning in the Digital Age Pages 8-13
Listen to the Natives
Schools are stuck in the 20th century. Students have rushed into the 21st. How can schools catch up and provide students with a relevant education?
Marc Prensky
School didn't teach me to read-I learned from my games.
-A student
Educators have slid into the 21st century-and into the digital age-still doing a great many things the old way. It's time for education leaders to raise their heads above the daily grind and observe the new landscape that's emerging. Recognizing and analyzing its characteristics will help define the education leadership with which we should be providing our students, both now and in the coming decades.
Times have changed. So, too, have the students, the tools, and the requisite skills and knowledge. Let's take a look at some of the features of our 21st century landscape that will be of utmost importance to those entrusted with the stewardship of our children's 21st century education.
Digital Natives