Do Today's Kids Think Differently Than Adults?

Do They Really Think Differently, a 2001 article by Marc Prensky, makes great reading for all teachers. Thinking patterns change with different experiences, which means that different cultures think differently. Environment and culture shape not only what people think about but how they use their brains. Think of how brains change as people learn to read and how computers are retraining brains. According to Prensky, kids growing up with computers and computer games don't think linearly, the method used in most teaching. Their minds reach out in all directions as they multitask instead of steadily moving forward. Teachers often perceive this behavior as students' not having the ability to pay attention. Could it be that they don't have sufficient attention spans for linear learning? Have their brain patterns changed through intense digital activity over time? -And if so, what does this mean for how we should be teaching our children. Prensky advocates educational games. What do you think?