Digital Natives are defined by the Dictionary ‘as a person born or brought up during the age of digital technology and so familiar with computers and the Internet from an early age.’
Accommodating this generation in our schools calls for a different approach. In this blog post, we’ve outlined three key elements that help to enhance a digital native’s learning journey.
Connectivity
As a generation that have never known life without technology, the basic needs of digital natives include easy access to facilities like power, wi-fi and other facilities to accommodate their lifestyles.
Choice
A digital native needs freedom to choose. From their learning spaces, to their learning styles, this generation requires a more personalised, tailored learning journey. Offering a range of spaces, as well as learning autonomy will help to enhance the learning experience.
Within your learning environment, it is important to accommodate different personalities. From private working spaces for more introverted students, to collaborative zones for noisy group activities. Once empowered to choose where and how they work, digital natives know where to search for information.
Personal Interaction
In an age where information is readily available on digital forums, today’s students need to maximise personal relationships. From teachers, to peers and other influencers, time spent interacting with humans will help enhance and maximise the learning journey.
Involving individuals outside the immediate school community helps give digital natives real-life experience with professionals in relevant fields.