Campus Community
Posted: Thursday, February 7, 2008‘Why Bother?’: Exploring the Digital Frontier
Buffalo State faculty and staff are invited to attend the next “Why Bother?” lecture, “Exploring the Digital Frontier: ‘Natives’ and ‘Immigrants’ Learning from Each Other,” presented by Debra R. Sprague, associate professor at George Mason University, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 22, in E. H. Butler Library 210.
“Digital natives” are twenty-first-century students immersed in technology, with access to information and resources unprecedented in previous generations. They are comfortable using computers, digital cameras, cell phones, and iPods. Their teachers, “digital immigrants,” often lack the understanding and skills needed to use these same technologies.
How do teacher educators embrace these technologies, used by their students since infancy? How can they create a culture that promotes the use of technology to address challenges and that integrates technology into instruction? This session will enable participants to reflect on their own practices, learn about technology-rich alternatives, and be inspired to transform some of their classroom routines to involve technology.
Sprague is a 1984 graduate of Buffalo State College and an associate professor in the Graduate School of Education at George Mason University. Her research interests focus on the use of technology to support teaching and learning and the integration of technology in K–12 teacher education. She is the coauthor ofTechnology for Teaching and serves as editor of theJournal of Technology and Teacher Education. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.
This session is jointly sponsored by University College and the Buffalo State “Why Bother?” endowment fund, which asks alumni to reflect on and share their professional evolution with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The 2008 program, the second “Why Bother?” lecture, has been designed for members of the Buffalo State College Teacher Education Unit and alumni who are teaching. Other alumni and members of the Buffalo State community are also welcome.
This free event includes a continental breakfast, a book fair, a book signing, and door prizes. Free on-campus parking is available (with shuttle van) for alumni and teachers attending the session.
For more information, contact Sharon Cramer, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor, Exceptional Education Department, (716) 878-4334.
