In this article, the author discussed important points of how technology become a powerful tool to teach students in today's society. Adolescents at the turn of the twenty first century are being raised in an Internet- enabled world where blogs, social net-working, and instant messaging are competing with face- to -face and telephone communication as the dominant means and methods through which personal interaction takes place. Apart from the obvious benefits of information at one's fingertips, entertaiment value, and speed of correspondence, participation on- line has valuable utility in teaching youth various social and emotional skills that are essential to successfully navigating life. He also emphasizes how important is to teach the students the positive and negative sides on the use of internet.
The Internet has become an essential part of daily life. While the Internet is an expedient mode of communication and has provided access to a wealth of information, it can also be detrimental to the well-being of children due to numerous online hazards. In one hand,online activity exposes children and adolescents to a wide variety of criminal acts. On the other hand, the Internet has now moved risk- taking behaviors into the behavioral arena. The majority of today's youth are using the Internet as a healthy venue for social interaction, sharing of ideas, artistic creations, photyography, school work, online journaling, or blogging.
This article examines the relationship between effective students learning with the use of the five containers:blogs, iPod, Instant Messenger, You Tube, and video games. I understand that teaching must be interesting and reliable but how much technology and access does a child really need to learn? Does a middle school child or younger possess the maturity,judgment, and social skills to use instant/ text messaging and social websites responsibly? Do their peers? When does too much technology begin to hurt a child? Is it healthy for a child to come home a nd plug right back into their social network versus having some time with their family?
All these questions show me that educators, administrators, parents, and students working together must find ways to combat the negative exploitation of technologies that otherwise can be wonderful tools for education, information and communication.
You bring up a number of good points... "How much is too much?" is a question that can be applied to all aspects of life... including a balanced diet. I definitely feel that educators and parents alike need to find a balance when it comes to everything, including technology. Students, need different things (e.g. reading skills, writing skills, and math skills) at all levels of their education.
ReplyDeleteGreat review of the article. I think that the topic of too much technology is a topic thats going to continue to be discussed because with each and everyday a new type of social networking technology becomes available. I personally believe that there is never too much technology. Although there are complications and problems that arise when students are using certain technologies, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I see technology as a means to make life easier for someone. For instance the class we are taking now demonstrates a new type of technology I have yet to experience. I can complete an assignment or project from practically anywhere. I dont need to be in a classroom, or at home on a personal computer. I can access a blog site like this, or a wikispace in order to further educate myself. The potential uses of technology will continue to grow an exapand. All we can do is help to monitor and educate parents and students on the risks involved.
ReplyDeleteIn order for students to develop responsibility over using these tools they must experience it first hand with an adult that models the tools responsibly. Also, can there really be a limit as to how much technology one uses? Technology helps us learn and teach effectively. Different combinations is crucial to effective learning.
ReplyDeleteI think technology is a wonderful tool to use inside and outside the classroom. It's very effective but there are some positive and negative effects of technology just like anything else. I did a presentation for one of my classes about video game addiction among children and adults and a large population of people are addicted to video games. Which inhibits them from doing their homework, socializing outside with other children or playing a sport. So sometimes too much technology is producing a negative effect on children. Just this weekend, I saw a couple of kids playing with their parents iphones or nintendo DS's while out to dinner. I understand it occupies them while they wait for their food but at the same time they are not socializing with their families. They may grow up with a lack of communication skills which they will need in the future. So, technology definitely needs to be controlled by parents so children learn how to socialize and communicate with others.
ReplyDeleteWith the use of technology comes the need for responsibility. The use and need for technology is growing each year, and more and more people are relying on technology. When technology is being used in the schools, social responsibility needs to be taught as well. The lesson of social responsibility is something students can carry with them for the rest of their lives, wherever they go!
ReplyDeleteI think that there has to be a balance, to much of everything is never good for anyone. Keeping a balance shows you more then being an extremist.
ReplyDeleteI think technology is beneficial and a good tool to engage students into learning but everything should be done in moderation. We can’t blame everything on technology we have to take responsibility for how we guide and educate our youth.
This article was very captivating! We need to find a balance between the appropriate use of technology at home and in the classroom. As educators, we have to discover new and exciting ways for our students to learn. Stepping into the classroom shouldn't be like stepping into a time machine!
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