Week 4 - A Post Pondering "Generation IM" (required)

"Generation IM: getting through to today's teched-out children"

I must admit there were parts of me that were immensely shocked when I read the stats in this article, but other parts of me knew what to expect. Some stats for you:

93% of youth 12-17 go online (not startling)
of the above, 55% use social networking sites (not startling)
and, 64% create their own original work (blogs, wikis, etc) (a bit higher than I thought)

67% of preschool children use computers (startling)
children 6> spend an ave. of 2 hrs/day in front of a screen (startling)

When I was growing up, I don't even remember having a computer until I was ten. I didn't get a MySpace until I was 13 and the first blog I ever used was to post my oh-so-fabulous poetry when I was 12. I have never created a movie on the computer. I don't like reading on a computer screen - I want to see it tangibly in my hands. I don't understand why kids are so young and are on the computer so long. I was outside in the treehouse, drawing chalk pictures in the driveway, fighting with my brother about which "Karate Kid" I was going to be, and trying to ride my bike without hands. I collected Pokemon cards, played with Pogs, and was killer at marbles. Uno, Yahtzee, and Sorry were my games of choice.

I keep reading these articles and it makes me sad that all these things I did when I was a kid are fading out.

However, I do welcome the new "tech-age" with open arms. I think that all the programs and "wires" are completely innovative and creative. I want to learn more about all of it. I want to use it in my classroom. But mostly, I want to keep my childhood alive, while I slip into a classroom of kids with COMPLETELY different childhoods than me.

Things that caught my eye or that I really got out of this article:

• "... The National Association for the Education of Young Children's Web site states that 'despite the potential known and unknown dangers of going online, this technology can be useful to develop literacy, cognitive, and social skills."
• Students can use online sources to broaden their knowledge of a subject that they might be struggling with.
• A book to look into: How Computer Games Help Children Learn by Doctor Williamson Shaffer
• "Computers give you different ways to solve problems, the opportunity to run and test simulations, and a way to offload processing" (Shaffer).
• Until this article, I hadn't considered the time and energy teachers have to expend on learning new technologies as a factor for why some teachers avoid certain programs.
• "Three main barriers to integrating digital media more fully into schools:"

1. "a lack of quality professional development for teachers;
2. a lack of time to explore, apply, and reflect with colleagues n the challenges and potentials of integrating any type of technology into the classroom culture; and
3. limited administrative support about how to use technology effectively to empower learners."

The quote that caught my attention the most:

"We need to look for examples of how our students are using technology, how they're doing innovative work, and how they're engaging with the world around them. We need to use technology in compelling and progressive ways. If we fail to do so, kids are going to look at what's going on in schools and see that it is irrelevant" (Shaffer).

Extras:

• Jim Gates' blog about tech
• Seffern Sheehy's blog about "Second Life"
• Elgg
• Ning
• Audacity; Garage Band; Gabcast

Congrats if you read all the way through.

Until next time.