http://www.engagedyouth.org/2008/04/24/civic-learning-online-for-whom/ Just another WordPress weblog Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:32:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 http://www.engagedyouth.org/2008/04/24/civic-learning-online-for-whom/#comment-81 Howard Rheingold Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:40:22 +0000 http://www.engagedyouth.org/2008/04/24/civic-learning-online-for-whom/#comment-81 I'm skeptical about the "digital native" notion that young people are naturally skilled in online tools because of their age. Knowing how to read and write doesn't mean you know how to present a persuasive argument, conduct research, engage in scholarly debate. Otherwise -- why go to college at all? Similarly, knowing how to learn new software by clicking around does not guarantee that you know how to use search or RSS to study, how to use wikis to organize personal information or collaborate with others, etc. Often, a cohort has a mixture of skills -- some kids are wizards, others know little. Why not take advantage of that and empower the more knowledgeable to teach the others? I’m skeptical about the “digital native” notion that young people are naturally skilled in online tools because of their age. Knowing how to read and write doesn’t mean you know how to present a persuasive argument, conduct research, engage in scholarly debate. Otherwise — why go to college at all? Similarly, knowing how to learn new software by clicking around does not guarantee that you know how to use search or RSS to study, how to use wikis to organize personal information or collaborate with others, etc. Often, a cohort has a mixture of skills — some kids are wizards, others know little. Why not take advantage of that and empower the more knowledgeable to teach the others?

]]>