I see now that while I’ve done a good job about educating our Division staff about technology in student affairs, I’ve fallen short in truly understanding students’ use of technology.
This event has truly defined “Net Savvy” for me. (And that seems a bit like a “fad” phrase, but it is being used in all sorts of formal EDUCAUSE publications and other pubs.)
I also assumed that since students knew so much about technology that they were using it well. Not so fast my friend! Students may know how to download photos or google like a champ, but the real question is: do they have a full set of skills that lets them use technology in efficient and appropriate ways? Do they engage in good decision making?
Diana Oblinger’s opening remarks on this topic were great. This isn’t word for word, but it captures the key phrases and ideas. Being “Net Savvy” is: knowing how to find information; being able to upgrade your knowledge, being able to collaborate; synthesize that info; good decision making and critical thinking; not a one-time affair (can’t get innoculated); becomes a habit; it’s developmental.
Some great EDUCAUSE links:
This is definitely the next thing we need to explore here at NC State, and of course in good ol’ Student Affairs.