With Digital Nativity Comes Responsibility

Nowadays there is much talk about the mystical “digital native”. For those who do not know, the “digital native” is a term that refers to how the youth of today has grown up with DVDs, blogging, iPods, and other high-tech toys where as the previous generation (my generation) are digital natives; as much of the current technology did not exist in our youth. For example, where as our children own iPods that hold 1,000s of songs, we carried a stack of analog cassettes listening to our Sony Walkman. I suppose that my father’s generation would be considered “digital fossils”.

Kidding aside, many Educational Technology experts believe that we must embrace the rise of the “digital native” and understand that this “cultural change” has re-wired our children’s thinking. Furthermore, it is imperative that we use these technological tools to help our children prepare for the challenges of tomorrow’s generation; you know the future. So… are the Educational Technology experts on to something? Do we all need to purchase the latest computer, iPod, PlayStation, Wii Fit for our children? Or is this a bunch of bunk? After all, many critics have blamed “video games” for the ills of our society.

Like many questions, this one does not have an easy answer. It is clear that all students must be technologically literate in the global market of tomorrow. Additionally, many studies have demonstrated how software programs have helped student performance in academic subjects. Nevertheless, software programs such as Resident Evil 4, Grand Theft Auto, 50 Cent: Bullet Proof, and Crime Life: Gang Wars raise serious questions as these games are inherently violent. Naturally, many software programs available today are not as controversial. In fact, many programs can help your children learn to read, solve math problems, and interact with challenging curriculum in a fun way. At the same time, many software programs are made for entertainment purposes and may not have much redeeming value.

So… what should the digital immigrant; the parent do? Naturally, we want to protect our children from potential dangers. In spite of this, we all know that a protectionist approach is a road doomed to fail. Eventually, our children find out about the software (from their friends) they are missing out on and then you have an entirely different problem on your hands. With this in mind, I share the following advice;

For better or worse, the digital native is here to stay. More importantly, I have witnessed countless times the amazing power instructional technology has to help children who other gave up on a long time ago. Additionally, no matter what career your child selects, technology literacy is a non-negotiable. Therefore, your child should be given plenty of opportunities to use technology in their lives. Having said that, a child should not be allowed to use technology unsupervised. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of content on the Internet that is inappropriate and despicable. As a parent you must keep up with your child’s technological activities and review the materials your child plans to use.  

Subsequently, if you are a digital native and feel uncomfortable with technology, it is imperative that you learn how to use the tools your child will spend much time with. Simply put, “with digital nativity, comes responsibility.” For this reason, I review every software program before I allow my child to use it. I also use a closed Internet system, meaning that he can only visit web sites that I approve. If he wishes to add a new web site, he must get approval from the administrator; that’s me. Similarly, the computer has a built in curfew, tracks what programs he is using, and tracks the web sites he is visiting. I also monitor how he uses technology, require him to shut down the computer properly, and do not permit him to eat or drink in front of the computer.

If you are wondering how my son tolerates all these regulations, please keep in mind that this system was put in place when he was 3 years old. Obviously, I have modified the system several times as he is currently 7 years old.  For example, I currently encourage him to use a digital camera independently. He also uploads and edits the pictures without any assistance. I am also confident that as he gets older further modifications will definitely be required. However, I will still expect my son to use technology responsibly and will have the requisite discussions when warranted. Hopefully, this will assure that he and his younger brother are netizens who carry out their civic responsibilities in an exemplar manner. For more information, read Selecting Educational Software

Technology from the Crypt

Ah!!! Spring is back. I guess its time for a little spring-cleaning. So… a few days ago I started sorting through my basement closet; the dumping ground. Along the way, I came across a peculiar item; an Olympus Digital Voice Recorder. A what, you are asking? Long before the Blackberry hit the scene, digital recorders were the latest fad for about 5 minutes. However, much like the floppy disk, e Mate, Zip Drive, analog video recorders, and other past technologies; its usefulness is… well almost non-existent. To be certain, some of these devices still enjoy limited popularity; a niche audience if you well. In fact, the Olympus Digital recorder is still very popular with Japanese college students as it is a convenient way to take notes.

With this in mind, I try to be careful with my technology purchases and with the technological advise I dispense. Gone are the days in which I rush to install the latest greatest operating system or purchase yet another untested technology toy. After all, who wants to buy a technological dud or a technology that becomes fossilized before the box is even opened? This is why I am a big supporter of testing technologies before bringing it to the classroom or workplace. Having said that, I still watch with interest to see which technology trends will transform how we use technology and who will be visiting the technology morgue next.

The Continuing Adventures of Bazooka Joe and the Mad Matzo Machine

We all heard the legend of Joe and his adhesive bubble gum. The bubble gum was legendary for his exploits as he swung from building to building and stopped criminals with one stick of gum. It was rumored that the bubble gum was even used to stop a car in its path. Often we wondered if it was just an urban legend. With this, my tale begins.

It was another day in the supermarket with aisles of food and other assorted goodies. This shopping event was disrupted by a ruckus in the front of the store. A masked person exclaimed, “Nobody moves.” None of us knew what to do. The masked man and a team of 8 bandits were robbing the store and its customers in broad daylight. We were all shocked and scared by the turn of events. An older lady exclaimed, “Isn’t anyone going to do anything?” We all shrugged our shoulders and were thinking, “Come on lady. No need to anger the hooligans.”

Out of the blue, the glass window towards the front of the store shattered. There he was. Bazooka Joe swung through the shattered glass, removed his top hat, and threw it towards the hooligans. Apparently this was no ordinary top hat; it was a buzz saw hat. This action instantly cut through several wooden beams knocking down 5 of the assailants. Next, he opened his jacket and proceeded to use his nun chuck tzitzis to pursue the other assailants. This worked very well as it helped him apprehend 3 additional bandits.

Unfortunately, this did not stop the ringleader known as “Big Jack”. Big Jack came from behind and knocked Joe on his head. Joe tried to fight back but clearly had the losing hand. Soon enough, the situation went from bad to worse as Big Jack was using Joe’s nun chuck to strangle him. We all looked at each other and were thinking, “Now what?” Suddenly, a large doughy ball plastered Big Jack. Big Jack turned around only to get a pummeling from a brigade of Matzo Balls. He tried to ward off the Matzo Ball blitz and was soon detained under 150 pounds of Matzo Balls.

Till this day no one knows where the Matzo Balls came from. Was it a miracle? Is there another “do gooder” silently helping us? Who knows? All I know is, I’ll be putting some Matzo Balls in my soup this Passover and will be chewing my favorite gum; Bazooka Joe.

My Little Digital Native

As a father of 2 children I often try to view the world through the eyes of my children. What an interesting world the live in. A world filled with iPods, Tag Readers, Video Games, Computers, Digital Cameras, DVD Players, and other electronic paraphernalia. I am often amused by the use of language as used by my children. Some of my favorites are, "This is out of order.", "Daddy, burn me a copy.", "Daddy, could you clean the DVD for me?", "Ahh!!!, Wrong answer, Try again.", and "I need to download this book for my TAG reader."

At first glance, its all a bit overwhelming. The board games of my youth do not interest him. Recently, I gave my son a book. He asked me, "Where is the software for this book?" However, a closer glance of his electronic habits reveals an interesting transformation. Through the use of technology, my son's vocabulary and reading comprehension exploded. I remember the first eye opener occurred when he watched the 1970s cartoon adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are". Prior to that experience, stories and books did not interest him. However, this video gave him a love for the story. In time, story based software would introduce him to Stellaluna, Little Monster, Harry and the Haunted House, Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Just Grandma and Me, Arthur's Reading Race, and numerous other books.

In a sense, this is very similar to the comic books of my day that motivated me to read. At the time, many of our teachers did not approve of this literature. This only made the adventures contained in the comic strips that more exhilarating. I remember my parents were not sure what to make of this. I believe they were happy that my brothers and I were reading. They often wondered if this little hobby would deter my brothers and I from our studies. In hindsight, it probably was a distraction. However, it served a far more important role as it sparked our imaginations and motivated us. These stories allowed us to dream and achieve the impossible. Till this day, the heroism displayed in these stories serve as a source of strength to keep on trucking; even when the chips are down.

With this in mind, I love discovering what technologies excite and inspire my children. I still remember when my son easily identified the various trains that are friends with Thomas the Tank engine. I thought to myself, "If he could distinguish the difference between Edward and Thomas (both blue trains), he was ready to learn his letters." It would just be a matter of finding the correct motivation. So... I will continue to encourage my children to learn with the "comic book" of their day, and help them keep reaching for the stars.

Waiting for the Sun, Part II

In an earlier blog posting, I reflected on my 1981 recollections of Blessing the Sun. In this post, I will  discuss my impressions of the 2009 event. 

As the big day was drawing closer, I continued to read about its significance and learned many interesting facts I did not know. At the same time, I was still mulling over the final details. Initially, I was planning to take my son to the park. However, this would mean that my 4 year old would not be able to partake in the festivities. 

In the end, I decided to make it a family event on the front porch. As it turns out it was a good call as the sun did not come out right away. In fact, at one point my older son said, "Daddy I'm going in; its cold."  Suddenly, the sun came out. We grabbed our cameras and recited the blessing. 

In reflection I am glad we viewed the sun from our porch. It may have not provided the best view of the sun. However, it provided a more important view; our family enjoying the once in 28 years event.  

Falling in Love with the iPod Touch- Again!!

As I get older I have become increasingly skeptical about new technology toys. Gone are the days that I would beta test a new operating system or over clock a computer just for kicks. So... when the iPhone and the iPod touch came out, I was not impressed. After all,  I was perfectly happy with the Blackberry that I received from "the job". However, a little voice inside wondered, "wouldn't it be nice to have your iPod sized movie play on a larger screen?" Then the voice of reason said, "Wait for the update. Wait until they work out the bugs." So... for a while, I resisted.  I was not the first kid on the block to purchase the iPhone or iPod touch. 

Eventually, my curiosity would get the best of me. Would the viewing experience really be that much better. Were the iPod Touch Apps that great? Could it? Would it? So... I tried watching a movie on the iPod Touch. Boy was I blown away by the quality of the picture. Who knew the small screen could be so captivating. I then used the web browser to surf the Internet. The experience was well... OK. While it was cool to surf the net, I did not like the touchscreen keyboard. I kept hitting the wrong letters. I thought to myself, "the Garmin's touchscreen is much easier to use." 

As time went on, I would try other applications including Face Book, the NY Times, and so on. I was definitely liking the iPod Touch more. However, the iPod Touch could never replace my Blackberry. After all,  I need to be able to access my Microsoft Exchange e-mail; you know Outlook. I need a device that allows for decent 2 finger typing; and the iPod Touch just won't cut it. 

Having said that, a little voice  wondered, "Could the hype be true? Does Microsoft Exchange really work on an iPod touch?" My curiosity could no longer be contained. I clicked on the iPod settings and clicked on the Mail icon and selected the Microsoft Exchange icon. With in 60 seconds, I was receiving Outlook e-mail. I was thinking, "Wow!! That was fast!!" Then the skeptic took over and said, "I bet you the attachments look lousy." Boy was I wrong. MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents looked just great. Using my finger, I zoomed in and out of my attachments with great ease. A few minutes later I noticed that I can delete an e-mail by simply clicking on a trash can. Nothing prepared me for what happened next. I clicked on the trash can and my e-mail was sucked into the trash can. Awesome! So... I tried a few tricks and clicked on the "Edit" button. With in 30 seconds I was moving my e-mails from 1 folder to another folder. At that point I was thinking, " my Blackberry doesn't quite do this, does it?" With this in mind, here's to the future and the innovative technology that inspire imaginations all the time. 

Why Bruce is Boss

The year was 1984; a great time to listen to music . Like many other adolescents, I was beginning to discover Rock and Roll. During this time MTV was "the youth channel" and Music Videos were... well... cool. Many musicians were producing music in 1984 including Huey Lewis and the News, Prince, U2, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Yes, The Cars, Culture Club, Van Halen, Lionel Richie, The Police, Bryan Adams, as well as other musicians. 

 This was also the year Bruce Springsteen released Born in the USA. This album would go on to sell 13 million copies and generate 7 top 10 singles. More importantly, it was the rock album that every young adolescent wanted to have. As it turns out, this was the first rock album I bought. The first time I played that cassette, I knew I was listening to something special. The album starts out with Born in the USA; a rock anthem that discusses the human casualties of the Vietnam  War. The album also includes the following classic hits: Cover Me, I'm on Fire, No Surrender, Bobby Jean, Dancing in the Dark, Glory Days, and My Hometown.  One of my personal favorites was "No Surrender". The song starts out with a fast paced drum beat, followed by a chorus, and the following opening lyrics;

Well, we busted out of class

Had to get away from those fools

We learned more from a three-minute record, baby

Than we ever learned in school

A little later in the song the chorus states;

Well, we made a promise we swore we'd always remember

No retreat, baby, no surrender

As a middle school student at the time, those lyrics spoke to us. It was a sentiment we could relate to. At the time, we did not understand much of the lyrics. Who knew that Born in the  USA was an anti war song.  It really didn't matter. We were part of the MTV generation that were sold many images of what was cool. Subsequently, we all wanted to put on a pair of blue jeans, strap on a headband and guitar, and let the party begin.  

"Glory Days" always takes me back to my camping days when we would play ball against a competing camp. "Darlington County" reminds me of learning to drive and my very early dating days. "Dancing in the Dark" reminds me of  the parties and discos we used  frequent in High School. "Bobby Jean" reminds me of old friends as it spoke about the bond  of a long lost friendship. As we transitioned from middle school to High School this would take on deeper meanings as we all knew of friends who would be going to schools in different cities or states. In fact, I still remember all of the "Bobby Jeans" who have been a part of my life  who moved to Washington Florida, Israel, and various parts of the world. 

In the coming years, I would discover his earlier albums and would continue to purchase new Springsteen CDs as they would become available. Like many Springsteen fans, I quickly recognized that "Born to Run" and "The River" are stronger albums and would listen to its tracks many times. Having said that, "Born in the USA" will always have a special place in my heart. After all, it was the first album I ever purchased. It was the album that opened me to the exciting world of Rock and Roll. It also takes me back to a simpler time when everything we learned was on a 3 minute record.