1. Compare and Contrast each documentary. What was similar or different from the first one Digital Nation filmed in 2010 to Generation Like filmed in 2014 ?
While the 2010 documentary seemed to be a fairly balanced assessment of the challenges and attributes of the Internet, the 2014 documentary seemed much more focused on the capitalist/narsisistic lens of adolescent Internet use. Both documentaries were extremely in depth and tried to be unbiased. I enjoyed the 2014 documentary the most since the material covered was not overwhelming. The 2010 documentary was slightly over whelming, it almost tried to cover too many topics.
2. Your thoughts on multitasking. Do you agree? Can you multitask? Do you disagree with the video on the topic of multitasking? What do you think our students think about multitasking today?
3. Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?
Yes, I believe there is a technology addiction happening today, especially with young people who have not known any other ways of living. I see them walking around with their phones just as people in the 1950's never went anywhere without their pack of cigerettes. This worries me since what we learn or do not learn in youth effects the rest of our lives.
The idea of addiction happening on a societal level is debatable, however their are a few truths that cannot be ignored. Many children today do not know how to be quiet with their own thoughts, they constantly need to be gaming or on social media. This lesson is an important one for children and remains important for adults as well. Sherry Turkle articulated this very well in the 2010 documentary and also in her recent book Alone Together.
4. Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?
The idea of addiction happening on a societal level is debatable, however their are a few truths that cannot be ignored. Many children today do not know how to be quiet with their own thoughts, they constantly need to be gaming or on social media. This lesson is an important one for children and remains important for adults as well. Sherry Turkle articulated this very well in the 2010 documentary and also in her recent book Alone Together.
4. Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?
I believe that video games can have a place in education as long as we do not confuse entertainment with education. If a game is effective and entertaining, great. However, if it is only entertaining and the educational purpose is lost, there is no reason to use it in the school setting. Schools need to get out of the entertainment business. What happens when the power goes out and the generator fails?
5. How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?
The videos definitely supported my feelings concerning technology. Unfortunately, I was deeply disturbed by the Second Life founder describing the future. His forecast for the future is not a world in which I want to live. I cannot express how sad this makes me feel for the people who find our world so boring that the Internet offers them more.
On a basic level, the founder did not look particularly well either. He had huge circles under his eyes and his skin looked clammy. Is that what spending hours in Second Life does to the human body?
6. 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? Are they focused on too much of what others think?
On a basic level, the founder did not look particularly well either. He had huge circles under his eyes and his skin looked clammy. Is that what spending hours in Second Life does to the human body?
6. 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? Are they focused on too much of what others think?
I would hesitate to say that they are forever "ruining their digital footprint". However, I do not understand this yearning to share anything and everything. To tell you the truth, it makes me sad. Ideally, we should be comfortable enough to know that we know who we are and there is not a need to advertise who we are. In addition, I wish the Internet were more transparent. I feel that people would be kinder to each other in the comment sections of websites if the anonymity were replaced with full names. It kind of reminds me of road rage. People act out when they think they are anonymous.
7. What do you feel are the dangers of technology use? Are there any?
One of the clear dangers of technology use is that there is no element of surprise. The internet that is experienced by us is a custom tailored experience to our "likes". When we do not experience new things and make authentic discoveries on our own, there is a serious loss which occurs. It stunts our human development. I think this is why it is important to unplug periodically. On a purely academic level, this idea of finding only what you are looking for is a dangerous concept.
Overall Final Reflection:
My final take away from both documentaries was this:
1. Learn from each other. Don't be afraid to learn from your kids and your kids will be more willing to listen to you.
2. Collaborate and figure out solutions. Kids will tell you that they wish they did not have to sleep with their phone. They just don't know how. If we work together and problem solve, we can show them that an alternative way of living is possible. Model what this means.
3. Remember you are the adult. Sometimes you do know better. Have kids turn in their smart phones at the end of the night so the phones can be charged and the kids can "power off".
4. Be selective in what you use in the classroom. Sometimes bells and whistles are just that: Bells and Whistles.
And now...introducing..... my first podcast....
One of the clear dangers of technology use is that there is no element of surprise. The internet that is experienced by us is a custom tailored experience to our "likes". When we do not experience new things and make authentic discoveries on our own, there is a serious loss which occurs. It stunts our human development. I think this is why it is important to unplug periodically. On a purely academic level, this idea of finding only what you are looking for is a dangerous concept.
Overall Final Reflection:
My final take away from both documentaries was this:
1. Learn from each other. Don't be afraid to learn from your kids and your kids will be more willing to listen to you.
2. Collaborate and figure out solutions. Kids will tell you that they wish they did not have to sleep with their phone. They just don't know how. If we work together and problem solve, we can show them that an alternative way of living is possible. Model what this means.
3. Remember you are the adult. Sometimes you do know better. Have kids turn in their smart phones at the end of the night so the phones can be charged and the kids can "power off".
4. Be selective in what you use in the classroom. Sometimes bells and whistles are just that: Bells and Whistles.
And now...introducing..... my first podcast....
Hi Charlotte, "Unfortunately, I was deeply disturbed by the Second Life founder describing the future. His forecast for the future is not a world in which I want to live. I cannot express how sad this makes me feel for the people who find our world so boring that the Internet offers them more." I have to agree with you. There is so much that the physical life holds…I think that it is kind of sad that the virtual world has filled a void in so many. I do not want to judge anyone, but I personally would feel so disconnected if I did not those personal relationships and the interaction that I feel no technology could ever replace.
ReplyDelete"On a basic level, the founder did not look particularly well either. He had huge circles under his eyes and his skin looked clammy. Is that what spending hours in Second Life does to the human body?"--I really didn't notice this, but interesting observation, Charlotte.
-Rebecca B:-)
"The idea of addiction happening on a societal level is debatable, however their are a few truths that cannot be ignored. Many children today do not know how to be quiet with their own thoughts, they constantly need to be gaming or on social media. This lesson is an important one for children and remains important for adults as well. Sherry Turkle articulated this very well in the 2010 documentary and also in her recent book Alone Together. " I agree. Maybe not addiction to the max, but certainly a need for that instant gratification through their device. I like your positive spin throughout your answers in your post. I think Second Life is a bit strange too. I could never get into it much.
ReplyDeleteYour podcast was nicely done and I am glad you brought up the data collection as we will be working with that aspect this week a bit using google form. As we are learning, it is not about the tool necessarily but what will enhance a learning experience for a student. Some students do very well with the standard paper and pencil type tests, but others thrive in a hands on creative environment where technology does play a large part. It is all about deciding which is best or better yet, letting the students have the choice.
ReplyDeleteWe seemed to agree on many of these points. I agree that multitasking is never truly possible...one of the chosen activities is suffering due to lack of attention and focus. I also agree that teenagers and children have a real problem being alone with their thoughts. I cannot tell you the number of times I hear "I'm bored" from kids. These kids have an imagination, toys, games, crafts, and a whole world outside, but they claim to be bored. What they really feel is the need to play with the phone/iPad/computer, etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat Line Here -
ReplyDelete5. How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?
The videos definitely supported my feelings concerning technology. Unfortunately, I was deeply disturbed by the Second Life founder describing the future. His forecast for the future is not a world in which I want to live. I cannot express how sad this makes me feel for the people who find our world so boring that the Internet offers them more.
On a basic level, the founder did not look particularly well either. He had huge circles under his eyes and his skin looked clammy. Is that what spending hours in Second Life does to the human body?