“Communications networks, whether organized by the mobile phone or the Internet, are changing the scale, scope and dynamics of kids’ social worlds.”
I really think that this quote sums it up. I have found that it is not just the kids that are using social networks either, there are so many adults using them as well. This is something that I have seen while using a social network myself. My friends on facebook range in ages form 10 (my cousins children) to 60 (my father’s first cousins). The world of social interaction is changing all of societies ways of communication, not just that of kids!
“Children using the technology in public centers are generally from low-income families [Kaiser Family Foundation 2003], and their lack of access to technology and skill using it places them at a fundamental disadvantage in applying computers to complex tasks such as research, email or messaging [Levin & Arafeh 2002]. Access is an issue, for all kids are dependent upon the financial resources necessary to support the provision and use of computers, networks and mobile phones; but while access is necessary it is not sufficient to predict participation [Ba, et al 2001].”
I really felt that this quote hit close to home for me. I have grown up, still live, and teach in a rural county here in West Virginia. Majority of the students here in my county qualify for free or reduced lunch. The meals they receive at school are often the only ones they have throughout a day. Poverty and low SES are greatly affecting the children here in my area. I know that if the children are not being fed at home then the lack of access to technology has also got to be apparent. I never had a computer or internet in my home until I began college! I wasn’t from a “poor” family but we are so rural that it was still not available until then. Dial-up is still the only available internet service that is offered or available where I live. I would have to go to the public library during high school in order to work on research assignments or check my email. I really think that this is real problem that children are still facing today!!!
“Many of the findings about learning and digital media were conducted using technologies that are not optimized for learning, but could be. Secondly, many of the most exciting interventions involve empowering kids to design new media and new narratives, not just to consume them as found.”
I really feel that this quote makes perfect sense. This is what I feel I have been doing during this course. I have had the opportunity to have someone show me new ways to use technology that may also work in my classroom. As teachers, the more we learn, the more we can share!
I wonder if the adults in your social network areas use these areas as much as the kids. I have a facebook page and I check it frequently but I rarely post anything. Based on my experience, older people are more curious as to what's going on then they are willing to share.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your second quote comments. I also see the lack of technology access as a problem, not only in our school systems, but around the world. I am sure there are other countries who have experts and children that are not able to communicate with computers or other mobile devices. I have always believed that we should teach how to use the technology and what and where it can benefit students, but you should not assign projects that put a hardship on students to complete based on the possibility of lack of technology access.
ReplyDeleteI think the part in your second quote that reads, "Access is an issue, for all kids are dependent upon the financial resources necessary to support the provision and use of computers, networks and mobile phones; but while access is necessary it is not sufficient to predict participation [Ba, et al 2001].” is another reason why it is essential for school to provide students with the opportunity to use digital media in schools. Having access at home does not mean they will use technology in creative and productive ways. Many kids just consume media on the internet and do not become producers of information or multimedia that leads to rich literacy learning experiences. There needs to be pedagogical interventions so that all kids develop 21st century skills at school in case that don't have the resources or skills to pick them up at home!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! I know what your talking about with your first quote. I have friends of all ages on my Facebook as well.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your 3rd quote's comments. The more we learn to more we can use it in our own classrooms!
I really liked your last quote and what you said about it. As educators we must be prepared to face the unknown learn new things and then use these to teach our students. Great Point. I agree through this class I learn a great deal of new technologies each day tat I can use in my classroom to encourage student engagement and improve student learning.
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