We often joke that today’s students are wired differently. In fact, they are. Research indicates the seemingly constant exposure to multiple, overlapping sights and sounds has affected the neural pathways of digital students’ brains. Essentially their brains respond to sensory input differently than older, pre-1980 brains. Some researchers contend that in order to retain information and be able to put it to use, they must have multisensory input.
12th Graders’ Views of School: 1983-2000
Is it any wonder that the National Center for Educational Statistics has found that the majority of students who graduate from American schools think that school is irrelevant?
The game of learning
The digital generation is devouring information, solving complex problems and developing expertise every day. Digital students are doing this using a controller attached to a television set or using a hand-held electronic game. They don’t think of it as learning; they think of it as fun. What would happen if they felt the same sense of fun and accomplishment about learning science or math? Unfortunately, school activities often focus more on test taking, drill and practice and rigidity in the curriculum. There is a great disconnect in what learners need and what traditional classrooms provide.
Kristin, Student
Karen Thompson Instructional Technology Facilitator, Springfield District 186, Springfield, IL
![Kids walking to class [photo]](http://images.apple.com/education/digitalkids/disconnect/images/image_disconnect.jpg)
