To Start at the Beginning or Not, That is the Question

As I begin reading Web Literacy for Educators, I realize that the book is designed to move from the basics to more complex ideas and information.  When I say basic, I mean very basic information, from "What is the Internet?" to "Domain Names" to "URLs."  Most of the information is common knowledge to someone who has at least some experience with the internet.  However, there are some good points about the importance of understanding how sites on the internet are structured and why it is sometimes important to know about these basics.  For example, "We spend a great deal of time teaching students how to find print information in a library - it's just as important to teach them how information is organized on the Web...Reading a Web address is often essential to establishing the authenticity of the Web site."  While I knew a little about URLs and domain names before reading Chapter 1 of the book, I now have a better understanding of these basic concepts, and picked up a few things I can share with my class, that might help students as they try to determine the validity of sites they encounter while conducting research.

I guess my question after reading the chapter is, how essential is it to teach students these very basics?  When we are teaching students who are, oftentimes, extremely immersed in technology in their everyday lives, should we assume that these basics are essential for navigating technology, or, if we attempt to start with these very basics, will we lose the interest of students, for many of whom, the internet and technology are second nature?

Attempt 1

Through my course in digital reading and writing, I've become familiar with many theories about and examples of using digital media to enhance the learning experience of my students.  I've been able to learn more about how students brains are perhaps wired differently in this day and age, and why there is a need, not just a desire, but a real need, to change the way we do and view some aspects of instruction to meet our students "in  the middle."  While many educators may be reluctant to use more digital media, or may be uncomfortable doing so because they themselves are unfamiliar with using technology, I now believe it is essential that we begin a shift in this direction if we are to motivate and inspire our students.  After all, the jobs they hold in the future will surely incorporate technology we currently do not have.  If we want students to have the confidence to navigate this new technology, do we not need to lead the way by example? 

There are many resources to help educators become more familiar with ever-changing technology, such as Alan Novemeber's Web Literacy for Educators, which literally starts with the very basics, for those of us novices.