Double Journal Entry #8

1. What was the term "Digital Native" meant to be used as?

The term "Digital Native" was meant to be used as a metaphor. 

2. According to author what are the characteristics associated with Digital Natives?

Digital Natives are described as being experienced with digital technology and can learn about new technology with ease.

3. Do you consider yourself a Digital Native?

I consider myself more of a Digital Immigrant. My family did not have a computer or gaming system, while I was growing up. I can still learn how to use most technology, I am just not very comfortable with it. 

4. What is Digital Wisdom?

Digital wisdom is the ability to use technology to the best of its capability.

5. How does the author define "wisdom"?

The book defines wisdom as "the ability to find practical, creative, contextually appropriate, and emotionally satisfying solutions to complicated human problems."

6. How can technology enhance our Wisdom? Give three examples from the chapter?

Technology enhances our access to data, our ability to conduct peer analysis, and to plan and prioritize. 

7. What concerns did Socrates have about the technology of writing?

Socrates believed that writing would undermine the memory. 

8. How can teachers practices Digital Wisdom?

Teachers can practice digital wisdom by allowing their students to learn all the different types of digital technologies and letting them teach one another about these different technologies.

9. The author states that he is "...opposed to those who claim the unenhanced mind and unaided thinking are somehow superior to the enhanced mind." Are you? Why or why not?

I try to be open to learning new things, but change can be hard and sometimes and uncomfortable. I do think that it is very important to be willing and try to learn new things. 

Quote

"how many people began interpreting very literally- rather than-metaphorically what a digital native was."

Response 

This quote made me laugh a little when I read it. It made me laugh because I knew after reading this where the author was going with this quote. There are so many people that just want to look at things or concepts purely for what they are saying, but not for what they actual stand for or mean. I had a lot of nerdy friends in school who were the sarcastic people that argue for the sake of an argument and this quote made me think of  those friends I have immediately. I love when I can easily connect to an article and draw from personal experience to reinforce what I am studying. I am really enjoying reading this book, because I find myself agreeing and really understanding most of the main points the author is trying to make. 

Connection 

I thought this cartoon was very funny and a perfect example of taking a metaphorical saying "take the cake" and showing, that there is also a literal meaning, that is clearly not what people mean when they use this metaphor. 

References 

Thomas, Michael. Deconstructing digital natives: young people, technology, and the new literacies. New York: Routledge, 2011. Print.

Google Images: Literal meanings vs metaphorical meanings- comic strip