Generation IM

"Generation IM" was a great insight into how prevalent technology is in today's society. Teens spend an average of 6.5 hours a day using  media, and even children between the ages of 0-6 are exposed at least two hours a day. Reading this article reminded me that kids these days are growing up in an environment that is almost completely reliant on technology to function. Whether or not it is good or bad doesn't matter because it is happening whether we like it or not. I was reminded how much information there is available, and how the advancement of technology has allowed children to begin to explore and create. Technology allows children to be limitless in their inventions and broadens the horizons of their minds when it comes to creation. I would use was I have learned from reading this article in a science lesson by having my students blog about what they learned in class and what questions they might still have. I might even post pod casts of that days lessons that would allow students to go back and hear again what was said during class. This would help them to recall what they are supposed to know and help with memory and further understanding.

SMART Boards

I learned a lot about the SMART Board in class. I think it is a great advancement in the world of education as it helps students with all sorts of learning styles. For example, students who are visual learners will be able to have their needs met solely by looking at the board. The SMART board is interactive which means that students who need to learn through physical activity can have their needs met by physically using the board. The SMART board plays sounds as well which helps students who learn aurally. 

I still have questions about whether the board may be distracting to some students and how often it should be used? Should it be used for every class period or should other lessons be taught using the white board or using other methods as well?

Week 3

I found Marc Pensky's article on Digital Natives verses Digital Immigrants very interesting. . Growing up overseas and being considered an immigrant, I never knew what was going on. In this sense, I have a lot more compassion for the older generation that does not understand the great things about technology.

My grandfather was a teacher and we recently had a conversation about the use of technology in education. I told him I thought it was wonderful how much access to information students have today, but he did not agree. In his opinion, the most effective way to learn is from a physical book, with a notepad and pen.

After reading this article I understand better that his brain was programmed that way, which is why he has that preference. I also understand now that children's brains these days are wired completely different as they are constantly surrounded by technology. Technology is to today's children, what the book, pen and notepad were to the generation before, and I think it is important to accept that and use that information to help children learn today.