1. Compare and Contrast each documentary. What has changed from the first one (Growing Up Online) made in 2008 to the newer one (Digital Nation) filmed in 2010 ? How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?
Growing Up Online and Digital Nation were very different. The first one that I watched, Growing Up Online was the affects that technology has on children socially and emotionally. This video was hard to watch at times, children partake in adolescent behavior as young children. Children are in danger of cyberbully at school as well as home, or wherever they go because of the Internet and cell phones. Everything is done in an instant rather than keeping bullying at school (I hate to say that, but it is true. Bullying used to be at school, and face to face). Nowadays, children are scrutinized wherever they go with many different technologies bullying them (Blogs, Pictures, IM's, Emails...and the list goes on).
This video went as far as showing the short term and long term effects of bullying at school, cyberbullying as well as suicide. A young boy killed himself because the bullying became so bad. The parents had no idea of the bullying, because everything was kept secret online. He talked to another boy thinking of suicide, and both found a questionnaire site with questions to describe themselves which then went on to help them decide on their best way to kill themselves. SCARY is all I have to say. Technology today is too accessible to young children which also makes them grow up too fast.
The newer video, Digital Nation, which was filmed in 2010 was more about the benefits of technology in today's world in a school setting. Don't get me wrong, Digital Nation still talked about the downward effects regarding multitasking and rehab from too much exposure to video games. Although, technology has long lasting side effects, explained in both videos, it is still known as a benefit in today's technological world. Technology is developing very fast, which is making it tough to understand and relate to everything but at the same time helps students learn. For example, in the second video, a school in The Bronx, New York was failing horribly in many educational tasks, reading, writing math you name it. After hiring many principles to help change this, they then hired an advocate for technology in the school. Everyone in this school owned a Mac and was to use that computer academically as well as personally. They could personalize their Macs by adding stickers or what not. Quickly, there was a change in this school. Technology is so new, but so driven by students world. Bringing technology into the classroom will help them want to learn. Educational scores improved dramatically in this school. By giving those students a desire, they were able to have an easier time adapting into the educational setting. Those students wanted to come to school everyday. Those students wanted to show their teachers and other students what they were able to accomplish.
Both of these videos were very interesting and so true. There are so many pros and cons, as their is with any issue.
 |
When Digital Nation was talking about all the multitasking we do with technology now, I was doing three different things while watching this video. I was on Facebook, listening to the video and looking at my cell phone. This is while sitting, there are many other people that walk while talking on the phone, looking at the internet and texting. Multitasking is a skill, but can make it hard to comprehend certain things. When talking about my personal example, I had to review the video during the times I was multitasking.
I agree with the video on multitasking. It is difficult not to multitask. Everyone does it in today's society with their cell phones and laptops while in class. And, if you think about it; when there wasn't the technology we have today, were those students really listening are were they multitasking by listening to their professor listening, doodling, or daydreaming?
3. Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?
After watching these videos, I believe there is an addiction happening in society today with technology. Children and adults are constantly looking at their cell phones for text messaging, viewing: Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and many other kind of social media. Using myself as an example, I have to look at Facebook every morning when I wake up and constantly throughout the day (I hate to admit it), I also view Pinterest and Instagram constantly. There are other kinds of technology addicted people in today's society, playing video games. My sixteen year old brother plays video games when he comes home from school and plays until he needs to go to bed. Other teens and adults stay home from work and school to play video games non-stop throughout their day, it is their "job". I believe that technology can be an addiction and concerns me very much. Like I said, to a degree I believe my younger brother is somewhat addicted to video games, and I believe I am somewhat addicted to Facebook.
4. Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?
I believe that video games can serve a purpose in education. Apps on iPads are "games" but very education and teaches them in such a different way and can relate to almost anyone. Educational games are usually simple and easy to access and help students comprehend difficult tasks and information that traditionally they may not always understand.
5. Do you believe that digital tools such as google tools can save schools that are struggling?
If schools can complete and sign off on grants, I believe that computers or iPads to each student and use a google tool will help save schools that are struggling. The school I work at was just built, also a SINI school in reading, writing and math just bought iPads for every student in the school.I truly believe that using the iPads in class will help those students with all skills. My kindergartners are using writing apps to learn how to write the alphabet. These apps are fun and keeps all of the students engaged. Their can be a very challenging student in the class that does not want to engage in many activities, but using the iPad or an technology sparks his interest.
I am still learning about google tools. Right now, I believe that google does have its benefits educationally, but I don't know to what grade is appropriate. At the college level we are able to blog and use google reader. I am excited to learn more about google and how to interact students.
6. Do parents of today have any idea what their kids are doing online? Whose job is it to teach them the safety and digital responsibility?
Parents/Teachers/Community/Government??
I believe that parents in today's society can have an idea of what their kids are doing online if they want to. Right when parents give their children that freedom of doing what they want online, the freedom will grow and that's where you have lost them. It is SO SO SO IMPORTANT to teach every child safety and digital responsibility but some parents are not there, or do not care, or don't understand why they need to be safe or teach their children to be safe on the Internet.
If I could give my students, children and community the understanding of what could happen and why we need to be careful, I would conduct school meetings, town meetings or state meetings. It is important that as role models to our children, that we model and help parents, teachers and children better understand the importance of digital citizenship.
7. Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care?
Yes, I believe that many kids and adults are ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future. Yes, I believe that everyone using the Internet should care, maybe if everyone would care, their digital footprint would be smaller. I am very careful of what I put on the Internet. I am working with students, I do not want a parent to google my name and see pictures or pages that are inappropriate. I also always make sure my pages are private. On Facebook, people that search for me can only see my profile picture. It is so so so important to think before you add or write anything on the internet. You could regret it in minutes!!
| http://www.careerrocketeer.com/wp-content/uploads/Digital-Footprint.png |
8.“Stranger Danger” and predator fears are often overblown by the media on shows such as Datelines “To Catch a Predator”. What are the real dangers of technology in this day and age?
I believe that overexposure and being able to view anything imaginable online is a real danger in this day and age. There is a digital footprint for anyone using the Internet. If you were in an car accident, sports team, or in a wedding (for example) those pictures and stories could be searched when writing your name in Google. The Internet is a very powerful source. Many bullied students that bring guns to school communicate with someone online whether it is a bullying site, a blog, or podcast. Viewing the Internet has it's benefits but also has its downfalls. The internet is dangerous and that is why everyone should learn the responsibility and safety in any type of technology.
No comments:
Post a Comment