It’s interesting to look at technology and how much it has evolved in this society just within past few years. It wasn’t that long ago when my dad got his first cell phone and I just thought it was the most amazing thing. Now, it is very uncommon to come across someone who doesn’t have a cell phone—including children. Computers and the internet have taken their place in society in a similar fashion. When I was in elementary school and had to do any kind of research, I had to use an old set of encyclopedias and write out the information. Today’s children are becoming more and more familiar with using the internet at younger and younger ages.
In one of my field experiences I got to see the students spend an extensive amount of time using the internet for various kinds of activities. One of the first things I saw them doing was using the internet to do research. They knew about different search engines and how to type in key words to find information. (They were third graders by the way). They also had knowledge of some different websites where they could find particular information. The students used the internet to play games, send emails to each other, and do research. Along with that, they were also able to use Microsoft word to type documents. I was really surprised at their ability to do that because some adults aren’t as familiar with Microsoft word. I think that there was a time when having computers and internet access was reserved for corporate or wealthy individuals, but it is now a part of the culture and the everyday lives of most people. I also think that technology has a language that young people are being exposed to at much earlier ages. The other day I had a box of those little candy hearts with the messages on them that are so popular around Valentine’s Day. The messages used to say things like “be mine” or “love you,” but I was surprised to see that some of the messages on these hearts said “text me” and “tweet me.” I thought it was hilarious, but I also realized that those are the things that are relevant to young people in our society because of the overwhelming presence of the internet.
I totally agree with you. Children these days are more advanced that we were. I was having a conversation with my friend last week and she informed that her 2 year old and 3 year old get online and play games and even know how to play games on her iPhone.
ReplyDeleteI know! It is amazing how familiar they are with the technology. I have a two year old son too, and I watched him one day go over to the computer and put it on standby. First, I was shocked that he even realized that the computer was on and needed to go on standby. Then, I couldn't believe that he actually knew how to do it. They pick up a lot just from observing their surroundings.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Internet and other technologies are dominating our children's lives and as parents and educators we must teach them to be responsible users of technologies. Just the other my niece accessed my smart phone opened my facebook account and thought that was good. That moment became a teachable moment to discuss privacy and indecent use of another person's cell phone. I've learned not to have my password saved on my phone. Oh, did I mention the child is 8 yrs old?
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how intuitive our youth are when it comes to technology. One day my son, who is 10 years old, and I were out and a lady approached me and asked me if I would let him help her change a setting on her phone because she couldn't figure it out. I said yes and he took the phone that he had never seen before and in less than a minute fixed it for her and then showed her how to do it. Technology is playing a huge role in keeping our youth challenged and we need to make sure that we remember that as we enter the classroom.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to notice that all students in this day and time use computers, especially the internet quite often. The age of the students who use the internet are like four years old and up. My niece is four years old and she navigated the internet going to the PBS website by herself. I was amazed. Especially realizing that she knew how to use the mouse and click things. Technology is truly playing a huge role in keeping our youth challenged. Interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with BBop. Yes, children that use and have use of technology should learn the proper responsibility of utilizing the technology. Recently, it has been alot of cyber-bullying that can lead to big trouble. Also I don't even want to think about how an individualy will, can, and have prayed on young children on the internet to lead them to a dangerous situation. Technology can lead to unwanted situations if not practicing being a responsible user.
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