I chose to answer the
questions in this assignment, verbatim, as they touch on key points regarding
the use and effects of technology in modern-day society.
1. Compare
and Contrast each documentary. What was similar or different from the
first one (Growing Up Online) made in 2008 to the newer one (Digital Nation)
filmed in 2010 ?
The 2008
(Growing Up Online) video focused more on the implications of Internet use as
it relates to the classroom and the home life of the student. It primarily
discussed the issues pertaining to social media. It was interesting to note
that some of what was discussed in Growing Up Online is already dated! For
example, the idea of a family allowing a computer to be used only in the
kitchen in order to prevent misuse is no longer relevant, as is the
well-meaning mother’s demands for her children’s passwords. The common use of
Smart phones today supercede these safeguards, the reason being the children
can access any network, through any means, bypassing the conventional avenues.
I tried putting filters on my home network router, but what good does that do
if my kids are using the Verizon 3g network that bypasses my LAN entirely? The
Digital Nation video was more comprehensive in its approach by providing an
in-depth analysis of virtual reality, including the use of virtual meetings in
the corporate world and the use and misuse of video games by recreational users
as well as the military. This video also addressed thought-provoking concepts
of multi-tasking and the shortened attention span of students in today’s
culture of high technology. It
spoke more to the idea that technology is here to stay, acknowledged that it’s
in a constant state of progression, while asking the question “Now, what do we
do about it”? They both delved into
the shortcomings and benefits of social media use. For example, teens are able
to work out inner conflicts by creating alter egos and that isn’t necessarily a
bad thing. The example of Jessica, a.k.a “Autmn”, was used to illustrate this
point. Also, people are now in the position to connect with others who share
similar interests and this, too, is positive. Conversely, both videos warn
against the illusion of having thousands of “friends” or falling prey to the
Internet’s seductive qualities such as its ability to be a “willing listener”.
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?
The
ability to multi-task differs from one individual to another. Studies have
shown that the female brain is more specifically wired for multi-tasking as
contrasted with the male brain, which is better able to focus for long
durations on a single task. This isn’t a value statement, nor does it speak to
whether or not this is learned behavior or that born of biology. Based on my
own anecdotal experiences, this theory has held true. I’ve witnessed mothers
being able to simultaneously assist the kids with homework, cook dinner, talk
on the phone, and pay bills. More often then not, their male counterparts
cannot do this well. Is it a skill that has evolved over time? Or, is the way
the brain is wired? Because
technology brings to light the importance of multi-tasking, more research is in
order. The videos do a good job or raising the pertinent issues involved with
multi-tasking, and the opinions are balanced. I believe that the ability to
multi-task is an important life skill, but so is the ability to concentrate
deeply on a subject. It’s situational in that some situations call for
multi-tasking, others do not. So, the ability to do one and not the other is
problematic. As the MIT professor pointed out, some things need to be amenable to focus. It is disconcerting to see the shortened attention span of many
students today, and the lengths to which teachers go to keep them engaged in
the classroom. As the brain imaging results of the Stanford testing
of “chronic” multi-taskers shows, the practice of multi-tasking is a hindrance
to learning. The interesting phenomenon is that the students, themselves, do
not believe this to be the case. The confidence they had in their ability to
multi-task was greater than their actual abilities. The unfortunate
consequences of this dichotomy is that they will make mistakes while performing
tasks, they will not fully comprehend class material at the depth required, and in extreme cases, they will take dangerous risks, such as texting
while driving. I see my kids do their homework, while listening to music,
sending text messages, following Twitter and keeping track of sports
scores that are running in the background on the laptop. I believe this results
in fragmented thoughts and ideas, which is reflected in the quality of their
work. Just as the 2010 video points out, many students are unable to compose
an essay and write in disjointed paragraphs. This is where society is
suffering. As I write this, there are no distractions. The TV isn’t on, and I
am not checking my emails. I believe the quality of my work is better because
of this.
3.
Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it
just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?
I
believe there is a technology addition in society today. Technology has
addictive qualities. It’s fun and highly engaging. It satisfies the senses and
it provides for escapism. It offers immediate gratification. The same can be
said for drugs, alcohol and gambling, other known sources of addiction. Studies
show that there is a percentage of society who fall prey to addictions more
than others. So, as with any addiction, it must be treated. However, the
challenges are many. One cannot just abandon the use of technology and go “cold
turkey”; the “addict” must learn to manage the use of technology in his life
and work to obtain a balance. Additionally, it is a way of life for even the very
young who don’t have the life skills and experiences to manage what could
potentially be risky or extreme behavior. This is troublesome and we should be
concerned. Just as the videos point out, we are just beginning to identify the
problems associated with excess technology use, while trying to find ways to
treat it. The concept of the Korean Internet Rescue School is no different from
that of any other rehabilitation program. But, the ages of the children were
alarming!
4. Do
video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?
An
argument can be made that a smart educator could implement the use of video
games in the classroom for role-playing or helping shy students with
socialization techniques, by allowing a student to safely assume a virtual
identity, perhaps. There are useful games that could assist a student with
learning language and math skills.
I can see potential for an ESL student. However, it is my opinion that
video games are generally a waste of time, most of the time. People are seldom balanced
in terms of the amount of time they dedicate to playing mindless games.
5.
Do you believe that digital tools, such as google tools and technology in
general can save schools that are struggling?
The
urban school in the 2010 video shows a major turnaround in student performance
after implementing full use of technology in the classroom. This was a hard
sell for me. It is unclear if this school was comprised of disadvantaged
students or a mix of students from all socio-economic backgrounds. It may be
that they were working with a population of students who use technology as
their sole source of extra-curricular activity and this may be why this school
was so successful in engaging the students. I wonder what the results would be
if this same case study where performed in a suburban, upscale school district,
where students are used to engaging in the classroom and society in many
different ways such as through athletic participation or other interactive
activities. So, I believe that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. In the
end, a school needs to address the needs of its students and should consider
every available tool in order to accomplish this.
6.
How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about
technology or how did it change your views?
Watching
the videos only served to solidify my opinion that technology is here to stay
and we all need to get on board with it. However, we need to understand the
power of technology as well as its limitations, of which there are many.
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?
People
need to be cognizant of the data they share online and understand how to
safeguard themselves and their personal information. Being aware of the issues
is the first step toward dealing with them. Educating students from an early
age, such as the lessons of “netiquette” taught to the Korean 2nd
graders, is key. Teaching people responsibility when using technology is no
different than teaching the importance of safety when driving a car or what to
do when being approached by a stranger.
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?
The real
dangers of technology today include identity theft; the ability of one to
steal and misuse another’s identify for criminal purposes. Often, this results
in life-long consequences for the victim. Another dangerous area is the
destruction of one’s reputation, by posting pictures or personal details online
that could compromise their lives personally and professionally. I also think it can
cause social isolation and the tendency for kids to become narcissistic.
I was
absolutely amazed by the virtual reality software, Second Life, a sort of
collaborative meeting, rather, collaborative "existence" software. I thought the
juxtaposition between the narrator walking through the massive, but empty IBM
building against the crowded virtual meeting space sends a very powerful
message, that the medium in which we interact and exchange ideas has changed
and will continue to do so in the future. I think the brick and mortar days
are, in large part, behind us. Consider the proliferation of online classes and
shopping and virtual corporate meetings. I believe this is only in its infancy
and the classroom of the future will follow suit. These videos beg the
questions our society needs to ask of ourselves. Does technology bring us
closer together or further apart?
Is there truly a distinction between our true selves and our virtual
selves? Should there be? What are we missing out on, if anything, by losing
physical contact with one another? Is the experience of smelling a virtual rose
the same as a real one? As asked in the video, “are we changing what it means
to be human?
No comments:
Post a Comment