Sunday, April 26, 2009

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

253 comments:

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Alyssa M _EDSN650 Spring 2017 said...

Wow! I must admit I needed to read an article like this. Although I don’t have children, technology is often a topic of discussion between my family, friends and co-workers. I think about the type of parent I would be to a “digital native”. I joke how my children will hate me because I will not allow them to own a 700$ device without having a job, be on social media or play video games every day. I have never been one that bonded with my generation when it comes to technology. I hate the computer, video games, social media etc. I see technology as the gift and the curse. However, when it comes to technology today I regularly see the negative aspects of it over the positives. I realize my thinking is very one sided. I am against technology and as a future educator I must change these views and keep up with the times. This article reminded me that children using technology isn’t bad if you are monitoring how it is being used. It also brought awareness to me that for me to understand new software I must test it out myself. I must also remember that even though technology is something that I don’t totally agree with doesn’t mean it is a bad thing. I must try and use it in my classroom in a safe effective way that is beneficial to my students learning, parent communication and my teaching.

Unknown said...

I fully agree with your pare ting style when it comes to technology. its great that you were able to implement such a disciplined regimen at a young age; it definitely instills a set of principles which will forever guide him in life not only with how he uses technology, but also how he teaches others to use technology and how he will raise his children. oversight, supervision, and education are necessary components when introducing kids to the world of technology. without you, they can get lost.

Anonymous said...

It's important that young children are using the age appropriate websites, games, etc. They should always be under adult supervision. Parents and guardians should be aware that young /children still have access to all sort of violent information out there and we have the responsibility to protect them. -Yenny Ho Wu (08/17/17)

Anonymous said...

I agree that it is important for students to be exposed to technology and have many opportunities to use it in their lives. I also agree that parents should supervise their children when they are using technology at home, especially during video games, which children are usually drawn to. It is helpful for parents to allow their children to use technology at home, especially educational games that can enhance reading and math skills. Additionally, parents should also teach children how to properly use a computer and go over rules such as how to shut the computer down, turn it on, and etc. This practice at home can help teachers in the classroom due to the fact that students will have some background knowledge of how to use a computer and why it is important to be exposed to such technology. Children should be aware that they have to use technology responsibly- home or in the classroom.

-Jennifer Occhipinti

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you. I have also seen the difference technology can make in the lives of struggling learners. As educators we should view technology as an asset, not a deficit. It is crucial that parents and teachers become literate in the technology so that they can use it to help children. Additionally, monitoring the sites your children are using, and the time that computers are being used is a great idea. It is also important to monitor the site students are visiting in the classroom!


Chelsea Olgiati

Anonymous said...

I wholeheartedly agree that technology is now a necessity in the lives of not only young children, but of adults as well. As a teacher, I am consistently challenged to learn new software and resources to keep up with the ever changing society of childhood education. I found the most important thing you said in the post to be that you started your son at the age of 3 years old. This is what needs to be done in many, if not all cases. Children need to learn technological responsibility from a young age. Without it, children can access things they should not on the internet, break expensive equipment, or cause numerous other problems. Parents taking the time to monitor their children's devices and teaching them proper procedures is the foundation for which great technological advances will be made within the classroom. If a student comes to class with this prior knowledge, it is beneficial to themselves, their classmates, and the teacher.

Joseph Stabach

Unknown said...

I agree with the article when it states that like it or not, the technology is here to stay. The amount of grooming and other dangers on the internet does exist, therefore the parent is right by taking the proper precautions to keep her child as with all children safe. The fact that this particular child has been trained since he was three years old, does help him endure all these rules with using the internet nicely and safely.

- Merlyn

Anonymous said...

After reading this article, I agree with the fact that technological advances are both beneficial in some ways and not beneficial in other ways. Technology today is used for many educational games so students are able to learn more efficiently as well as having fun while their taking part in the learning process. It is significant for students to have fun while gaining new found knowledge in which they will be more likely to retain the information learned. However, young children, especially tend to overuse technology which will cause a disadvantage to the learning process. Children begin to use technology for other things that may not be educational. This is where i believe the restrictions on technology are a positive thing. Children should be able to use technology for educational purposes, although when it comes to violent games and being on the computer all night long, this is not beneficial for educational purposes. Children may begin to abuse technological advances at this time. I agree that technology has the ability to aid many students in the learning process, but I also believe that too much technology without any education can be a bad thing as well.
-Bianca Nelms

Michelle Move said...


I believe children of this age are growing up in a completely different world than we have. These "Digital Natives" are more used to the convenience of a computer answering all of their questions and fast - whereas older people are used to actually thinking on their own and answering their own problems. The good thing about technology is that we have the world in our phones/tablets/computers. We can think of any questions our imagination can come up with and the answer will be given to us i n half of a second.

Lilly Beth Kestenbaum said...

Very interesting and humorous piece! Some of it actually made me laugh out loud (lol in the new-age computer lingo). Anyway, yes, totally agree that limits are imperative to be set on youngsters to protect them from the malicious content on the internet. I vehemently disagree with parents from certain communities who have a "no internet policy." That way of thinking is simply outdated, unrealistic, and overprotective. Technology is everywhere today for better or worse and the proper way to handle this reality is not to treat it and its users like pariahs. Rather, yes, absolutely set limits with your child on internet usage. Do not let them make accounts to random websites that will poison their minds. Tell them when it is time to be off of the computer and enforce these rules. The internet can be miraculous but it can also be dangerous. Therefore, parents need to know what is going on and be fully aware about the changes that are happening in the world, how to utilize them, and how to teach their children to be responsible.

Anonymous said...

I am in total agreement with the points you made in this article. I found it very informative especially in regards to setting rules/guidelines as a means of monitoring your son's use of technology.As a parent I do believe that it is a parent's responsibility to provide adequate guidance and support for their child/children in all they do until they are of the age where they can responsibly decide for themselves. Yes technology is the way to go, unfortunately there has been cases where technology has negatively influenced children who were not adequately supervised by a responsible adult. With this is mind I do encourage parents to ensure they play an active role in their child's overall experience with technology. Paloma EDSN 650

Unknown said...

In my opinion, technology has become a crucial factor in a child's life academically and for their future. Although the use of the internet and technology should be monitored through parental supervision, the child should become fluent on how to operate on their own. The internet offers various creative ways a child is able to learn regarding different topics such as spelling, learning ABC's, 123's etc. Certain games offer levels that can challenge the child's though process gradually which is also beneficial. Introducing a child to current technology is similar to learning a language. They are able to keep up with it as adults through practice and use it in their future careers.

-Maria Kasapidis

anonymous L said...

I agree with this article. Technology is going to keep advancing so it's important that we keep up and make sure our children are not left behind. I also agree that if you are not up to date with technology it is important that you learn how to use it so you can monitor and make sure your kids use it responsibly. There are many ways technology has proven to assist children's learning so I also believe we should not deprive our children from these benefits.

Unknown said...

I agree strongly with the author's point of view. Technology is here and its here to stay! With that said, there must be rules in place when utilizing it, for both children and adults. I am not a parent, however the fear of what is available on the internet can be overwhelming and extremely inappropriate. Being born in 1985 I can see both sides, meaning, I saw the transition from analog to digital at an early enough age to understand and have an appreciation for both. I love having an Ipad, I can store pretty much my entire life on it, but what if that life for some reason was erased? I would be dumb stricken almost having to relearn the antiquated way of life. With that said, there must be a balance in order to make technology work for you and not against you.

Anonymous said...

I agree with your views on technology and understand how you manage to keep control of your children when using technology. As a parent I'm not technology savvy. How can I help my children stay safe on the internet when i'm technology illiterate. What program are available to help parent to learn to put security codes or password on technology devices? As the writer of this article obviously your technology savvy. I'm a parent that is not so how do i help monitor when I lack technology experience. Dawn Williams EDSN 650

Anonymous said...

we are surrounded by technologies everyday. Even a toddler knows how to use technology nowadays. Parents sometimes will provide tv, ipad, or cellphone to their children to calm them. younger people understands more than elderly people. Technology classes are being taught in schools as early as in elementary school. I do believe that technologies do help learning and make improvement in education.

Dan Dan
EDSN 650 summer 2017

Anonymous said...

This article has a lot of important facts that many parents are not aware of them. Nowadays parents are not aware that letting their children use technology unsupervised can cause a lot of problem. In my own experienced with my my ten year old son that usually like to watch you-tube videos, I have to make sure that he is watching something that is constructive not destructive. I definitely agree that with technology we can help our children prepare for the new generation, and that it can also help our children with their education. For example my son has this app on his Ipod that helps him read, This app also allows him to test his comprehension after he had finish his book. Erika EDSN 650

Unknown said...

I strongly support your view that parents need to teach their children to use technology responsibly, and they need to be monitored and guided to protect them from potentially harmful exposure to inappropriate games and software.

Fortunately you are tech savvy enough to make yourself the administrator of your child's internet experience (at least at home), but I'm afraid that most parents are now trying to learn about technology from their Children! I wonder how effectively they would be able to guide their children.

Website administrators need to ensure they actively prevent harmful content from reaching children in general.

Esdell Abrams.

M L said...

It is important that children learn how to master the digital world, because it is a detrimental part of their lives, as well as their education. It is part of the foundation of their world. They must also learn internet etiquette, as many people communicate through social media and other methods on the internet. Children also catch on to effectively using technology at a higher rate than their elders, generally speaking. As the children grow and learn more about technological devices and the ways of the internet, they can also bypass many restrictions that the adults try to set on them as well.

Anonymous said...

Since we are living in a technological world, it is imperative that our children are equip with the necessary knowledge and skills to solve real life problems that will face them in the 21st century.However, parents still have an important role to play in monitoring what websites their children visits, and the activities that they are engaged in on the internet.

Tehila Tamaiev said...

I really enjoyed reading this article. I feel the same regrading teaching children technology, but being on top of what they are watching. I think your approach to your children technological access is great. You are exposing them to technology, but on the other hand setting regulations in which they must obey. Thank you for sharing.

lucille bilali said...

I strongly agree that technology is the future. Children today need to be technology educated because every school now uses technology in the classroom. My daughters teacher would give her class education websites to go on at home and practice math and reading. I have to say that it was very helpful and she learned a lot from these websites. Also, when my children are on computer or their Ipad I do check and make sure their on proper sites, which is very important for a parent to do.I feel children today know a lot about technology from schools and friends and because I did not grow up with technology,its funny how my kids know more and help me.

Anonymous said...

It is important to keep up with technology today. Technology is always changing around us and if we don't stay up to date, we would get "lost". Compared to how things were when I was younger, everything can definitely be found on the internet. Back when I was still in elementary school, I would be visiting the library to borrow books for research while today's elementary kids would be looking up information on the computer. As an educator, it is even more important to keep up to date with technology. With what we know nowadays about how each and every child learns differently, technology is an important asset to education. Children most definitely can learn through using the computer or other electronic device. Of course, I agree that the usage should be limited and monitored. As an adult, we must be aware of what children use. I agree that doing so also teaches children about responsible internet usage.

Nancy Chan, Ed Tech 650 Tuesday Fall 2017

Anonymous said...

I just wrote my comment and the posting Google+ account verification blipped my comment, so I have to rewrite it.

I think it's important that you discussed how you limited your children's digital use with the internet and computer not just through your words, but that your router and computer's hardware reinforces it with you. Many parents, I think particularly in my >30 millennial generation, simply discussed what someone shouldn't do on the internet - and left it at that, which of course only put the idea in the children's head to go and explore something they hadn't thought of before. I think creating a how-to for parents for them to change their computer and router settings to do what you talked about and make it widely available would be a huge public service - Wait, forget I said that... *jots down tutorial video outline...*

Denis Pelletier, EDSN 650 @Touro

Anonymous said...

Shauna DeSouza
Edu. Tech 650

A very interesting article. I am sure however that folks of the 50s and 60s are not the only ones who do not now about technology. Nevertheless I think we both old and new should embrace the changes and learn from those who know to keep abreast. Nothing in wrong with giving our children the latest technology but parents should allow children to live there childhood life. Children shouldn't be so taken up with technology but be allow to explore other avenues

Gabrielle Mazzaro said...

I completely agree with this article. Some parents are stuck in the age before technology was big. Whether they want to admit it or not, it is always going to be around. In order to ensure the safety of your children, parents should become familiar with how to use the different technologies and discover the many ways that it can be monitored accordingly. It is important to be able to teach your children the appropriate uses of technology and how it can help them in their everyday lives. If a parent chooses to ignore the different technology in their children's lives, negative things may occur and as the parent, they wouldn't know how to fix them.

Anonymous said...

As somebody who grew up with technology, I am able to understand its problems as well as its vast advantages. Having the world at our fingertips can be a good thing if used properly. The way you monitor your sons activity sounds like a great idea, even if your son does not understand that it is for the better. As I continue through my education I am constantly shown new ways in which technology fits in the classroom. I am also constantly learning new ways that I can personally use it to guide certain lessons. I am hopeful that the positives outweigh the negatives and in the long-run we will see great advancements not possible before.

Unknown said...

I agree with the article. It is important that parents know how to use technology in order to inform their children how to use it. This is important because technology is going to be part of the child's future no matter what. Knowing how to use technology will also help parents protect their kids from viewing harmful things. The internet can be a great tool, however it is also a place were kids can view bad things.

Trevor Spisto

Anonymous said...

After reading this article, I one thousand percent agree that students and children should become literate in technological education. They should learn how to care for a computer in a respective manner and treat it as a gift rather than a necessity. In my classes, my students are required to use an online reading program once a week in which they treat the laptops like garbage. For instance, students tend to pick off keys, not shut them down properly or plug them in when they are done using them. My students treat the laptop as a requirement for their education when in reality, it is a gift to further their education. All in all, students should have access to technology but in such a manner where they learn to respect it rather than treat it like it is obligated to have.

Anonymous said...

Technology scares me. I am 28, and I have a tough time navigating throughout the world of technology. I grew up in a time where technology really peaked. I had an Ipod until I was around 23, and then they became absolete. I am a walking matter of an old man trapped in a younger person's body. But there is one thing I know is that I have to learn to adjust to the ways of today. I know I need to adjust to modern technology. I do use social media, but not as much as the average person.

Children today need to learn how to adapt to the modern ways of technology. The main point of technology nowadays is advancement in making our lives easier. There are a lot of benefits to technology for young students as well. Tablets and iPads are used to help students gain a better understanding of material. We are able to look up information faster than our grandparents would using an encloypedia. The click of a button is a lot less time consuming than the archaic way of flipping through pages.

Unknown said...

The ability gap between the digital native and the their parents is become smaller every year. People born in the 1980's had a much greater understanding of technology then their parents. These same people have a much smaller gap than their children, born in the 2000's. This is still a challenge, as the generational gap still exists in the ways that these generations have been educated. We cannot continue to teach these "digital natives" in the same, classical methods of teaching.

Anonymous said...

After reading this article, I completely agree. As a child growing up in the 90's I have watched technology change from big box Microsoft computers that would take forever to work to "high speed" AOL internet to the sleek Iphone X. I believe that students need to know and understand how to use technology because without technology they can not succeed in the modern world. It does not matter what career path you take, everyone needs to know how to use technology. Also, Students really can benefit from learning how to use technology even though its something they need to know. There are many educational games and tools that can be used from reading programs like Raz-Kids to math games. On the other side of technology, it can expose children to things their young minds should not be learning. So I agree in full that students should be exposed to technology while being monitored by their parents.

Christina DeSantis EDSN 650

Unknown said...

I agree with this article. It is imperative that children not only learn to use technology but use it in a way that is safe.

Unknown said...

I agree with this article. It is imperative that children not only learn to use technology but use it in a way that is safe.

Kyle Noto said...

From the reading it is true what is being said, technology is not going to disappear anytime soon. So our best bet as adults who are part of the new generation have to sit back and accept the idea. Yes, technology can have many negative aspects towards the generation of today, but it can also have positive effects. To get the most out of our children's understanding is by being up to date with the technological advances. By doing so we can guide the new generation on how to properly use technology and providing guidelines. Technology can be a great gateway to knowledge, but if unsupervised it can be unforgiving in the darkest ways.

Anonymous said...

I agree with technology is beneficial in education. It helps children advance and grow both academically and socially. There are rules and boundaries regarding the internet.Parental guidance is always a must with children.


Fitore Demirovic
Edsn-650 Tuesday
spring 2018

Anonymous said...

I agree with this statement:"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." I think that as parents and teacher we need to keep up with children and technology. We have to be able to monitor the way our children are using technology. It can be used for a great cause!

Unknown said...

In comparison to the digital natives, who have struggled to, but eventually succeed, adapt and master the new and constantly evolving technologies available to us, the millennial, inheritors of the age of technology, have been nurtured and reared by this digital miracle. Miracle because unlike ever before in history of man have we had such a readily available access to near limitless information and resources. Using technology has become an integral part of the lives of kids of the newer generations. They breath, eat and sleep technology. Having grown up in the middle of both the digital native generation and technology generation, I have been a witness to the development of children through the conventional methods and new technological approach. I personally believe, having experienced both worlds, that we must embrace the future and mold ourselves around the ever changing technologies. This will allow people, both young and old, to unite and learn from one another in ways that we have never seen before. In this globally intertwined world, technology bridges the gaps between all intellects, ages, peoples, societies and philosophies.

Jagroop Singh

Sweetr123 said...

After reading this article I must say that I agree that in today's generation children are too attached to technology, everything they "do" must be on the computer, whether it is reading, doing math problems, watching cartoons/movies or any other work. However using technology too much limits their ability to enjoy their childhood and to actually go out and play with friends. I think that children should have access to technology, of course under supervision, and their time using the devices should be limited. This way they get to learn and play both at the same time.




Anonymous said...

This article is talking about getting your children ready for the future with technology. Also, getting them ready you have to monitor them as stated in the article because you want to make sure they aren't using it incorrectly. By doing this your getting a jumpstart with the future as we call it this day in age "tech savvy"


Vincent T. Miller EDSN650

Anonymous said...

Great Post! It is so important for parents to be aware and up to date with what their children are using in this era of technology. Many times parents are unaware of how to use technology, therefore, they simply just allow their child to use it and do not monitor how they use it, or others just simply do not allow them to use it for safety reasons. However, children need technology for their future! It is becoming more and more common for young children to use technology. Therefore, It is extremely important for parents to educate themselves on how to use it, and also what to do with it. I found this blog to be very direct and straight to the point which was helpful. Being able to keep an eye out for the amount of exposure to technology that your child has is extremely important. As young as three years old, to as old as 18! Parents should be aware of what their child is doing when they are using technology. Parents should find ways to educate and keep themselves up to date when it comes to the technology that their children are using.

-Yokasta B. EDSN 650

Anonymous said...

EDSN 650 Liora

After reading this short blog, I have confirmed that I am not the only person who thinks technology plays a crucial role in today's socialization and job market. "Technology literacy" has become another vital skills that makes up a person's resume in 2018. No longer is it enough to simply meet the job requirements and have interpersonal skills to get hired; now, post-college students are expected to have full knowledge and practical experience of using the internet and embrace the digital world. Today's generation lives' depend on technology. It is safe to say that from a young age, children are born into the world somehow already adapted to using technology. It always fascinates me how well a three year old navigates through an iPhone device and is able to search for a YouTube video. The real question becomes, is this adaptability preparing our kids for a stronger, more promising future or simply rotting their brains?

Unknown said...

I believe that technology has its time and place in everything we do today. I have personally downloaded many educational apps for my own children, as well as children I have worked with. Granted there are limitations but it keeps things interesting for them and they seem to focus more on the task, rather then using the same paper and pencil method. No matter what your profession today, technology is a big part of it, whether you are an actual computer tech who does it for a living, or even a small business owner such as a nail salon who creates a website for themselves to promote their business, technology is there. Its all about how we present or lack of a better word expose our children to this technology is the bigger challenge. From personal experiences, working with children and adults who have speech impairments, technology has played a big role in helping them express themselves with communication devices such as "go talk" or "text speak" or even simple apps we can download on our Ipads, these individuals are given a voice. So while many may see technology as this evil empire that is trying to brainwash our youth, I see it as a positive, something that enhances our generation and propels them to achieve greater things in life.

Milana Mashkabova said...

What an appropriate article for the times we live in right now. As a mom myself to an 11 year old and a 7 year old, I highly agree with everything that was written here. I didn't really grow up with much technology when I was a child, and it was a simpler time back then for sure. Although i enjoyed those simpler times, I believe that children nowadays need technology. With monitoring and supervision, every child can learn better and in more fun ways through the use of technology. Moderation is key off course, but it is important for our children to know how to search the world wide web, solve some math via computer, type, learn the alphabet through interactive videos, and even play a game or two. Technology can also be an outlet for children to express themselves through art or other means that they may not be able to otherwise. Personally, both my kids grew up on ABC MOUSE.COM when they were a little younger and it was both educational and fun for them. It also allowed me to have some time in the kitchen to cook while they kept busy learning:) As a teacher, I also love showing videos to my students when learning about something that is new for them. A lot of my children are visual learners and it helps them understand what I am teaching. It also keeps their interest in a certain topic.

Lismel M. EDSN 650 said...

After reading the article, I think it is important for parents to be able to monitor and have knowledge of what children are doing with technology. There are a lot of harmful sites, games, videos, etc. and it is important that children have limits and guidance while using. Growing up in a technological era you can see the many advances and merits to it but it also has its downfalls.

Anonymous said...

I agree that technology is a very important aspect of our lives. Children are learning how to use all different types of devices at a very young age, but they need to learn responsibility along with just how to use these devices. Parental guidance is always a must with young children, or teenagers. truth is there really isn't always a way that children or young adults can be monitored. Having a 15 year old son I understand the responsibility as parent. My attempt is to educate himself and understand the consequences on his social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. I provided his examples of athletes, famous individuals and government officials. By doing this I show him the consequences that these individuals have endured by their actions. Sometimes you need to just not press send.

Class 650 Summer 2018
Jason Rosenow

Unknown said...

I find this reading to be very relevant of the current state we are in today as parents as well as educators. Children need to become literate, i.e., they need to know how to write, but they also need to be technology literate. Children need to be effective students, and member of society, and they need to be able to read and write. However, they also need to know how to set up an e-mail account, and how to check for mail and also to send mail. They must also know who to use a search engine to conduct research on the War of 1812. The computer is great for all this, but as read in the blog we have to protect children from themselves. They can not be left to navigate the world wide web without a road map, we have to give them the guidelines in order to keep them safe and make technology beneficial instead of damaging. I would also like to mention that there is the notion that there can be too much of a good things. Children can play video games for an hour a day on the weekend, but they can also go for a walk, play a sport, practice an instrument, play a board game with the family or read quietly. Too much technology in my opinion in my opinion can be just as damming as no technology at all, and restrictions on time and content are vital, in keeping our children safe and helping them become well rounded and protective members of society. We don't want our kids to be the only ones who haven't played "Roadbloks" because that undoubtedly will create resentment and hostility among peers, that they aren't cool; but we want them to experience all the other things that come with childhood.

Anonymous said...

There's no escaping the internet, as a mother and educator I am not only responsible for supervising my children but, also my students. Thankfully, the Ipads and computers at work have many sites blocked and students can only access certain sites that include educational games. I have on occasion caught a student or two trying to create a Facebook profile. When my children were younger I was better able to control their internet access, but as they've gotten older it has become a bit more difficult. I took it upon myself to learn all I could about parental control on all the electronics in my home and have restricted many unsavory sites. since I can't completely control everything the see, I have restricted the amount of time they spend online.

Anonymous said...

Karmela, EDSN 650-

I enjoyed reading this article. Technology has come such a long way. Although technology can be so beneficial to one's education and future, I feel that it is taking over social life.Everyone has become so dependent on technology. The things that our children see on social media really impacts them. I strongly believe that there should be a limit to using technology as well as parent supervision at all times.

Anonymous said...

Parents and guardians should always be "present" in the lives of their children. Access to information and screen time should be monitored and limited by a parent or guardian. Technology offers a wealth of opportunities and access to information, but too much screen time or access to inappropriate subject matter can be detrimental to young minds. Parents and guardians should model appropriate use of technology and have a continuous dialogue with their children about the responsibilities and consequences that come with technology use.

Anonymous said...

I think this article acts as a great guide for parents of children growing up in the modern era of technology. It highlights the value of technology in education and social skills of young people. As technology continues to advance more resources related to education and job skills will revolve around the internet and computer programs and being a parent who has limited your child's exposure will ultimately limit their later opportunities to acquire a job. I agree with the idea of setting restrictions and monitoring my child's usage of the internet and programs because it is necessary to make sure that the content they are exposed to is developmentally appropriate.
Tiffany Robinson
Edu Tech 650
Sun 1pm

Anonymous said...

This article points out a good point of view that many parents are concerned about today. They love technology brings a good and easy way to educate their child. The learning app on Ipad or computer save their energy, money and time. They widely use the Phone or tablet app to help children's math, reading,and even social study. On the other side, they also are afraid of this technology will destroy child's creative and the online game will make kids addicted to the virtual world.

Professor points out a good solution that restrict their time and online program. However, how many parents know how to monitor their child online doing and closed internet system? Not device need to be updated and upgraded, parents need to be too. We should encouraged most parents to make conversation and have a home regulation with our children to help them understand their responsibility. Parents also need to "learn" closed internet system to prevent their checking inappropriate website.

As an educator, I appreciate the the technology bring a lot help in education. I remember seeing a video that a teacher use Ipad to communicate with her Autism student. This autism boy carries the Ipad to school,restaurant and supermarket everyday,everywhere. He finally could communicate with the world through this device.

I also feel many learning websites and apps help many students learn at home when parents don't spend time on their child. for example,My 6 years old son use Raz-Kids,a reading website, to improve his reading skill. Over all, I enjoy the technology bring the convenience to our life but I also encourage parents be aware of the impact of the technology to our Children.Ting Ting Yen


Tanika EDSN 650 FA 18 said...

I AM A DINOSAUR.... No seriously I had no access to any of the technology that youth have today. It is however imperative that we realize that it will be in our future...no need to try and ignore it. I like the language of "embrace..," because it suggests acceptance and some level of tolerance.
As educators we have to see the proverbial 'writing on the wall' because we cannot ignore what's happening or we will ultimately eliminate ourselves. Students have become savvy in utilizing so many different technologies. What becomes of a system that cannot grow? It dies...quickly. We are taught that lessons, students, approaches, and conversations (assessments) must inform our practice. Informing your practice means you may at some time have to change.
Ahh...change..the word that we all fear...Why fix it, if it's not broken---which really menas " waaahh...I am comfortable and now you're asking me to do something different!" We have to move outside of the box, which is what kids are enjoying. We have to prepare ourselves for what is coming. Students have more and more access and we cannot be in the dark about what they are immersing themselves in.
You teach your children, raise them to be greater and that includes be able to guide to use technology in a safer way and understanding what they see and have access to on the web.

Tanika McShall
EDSN 650
Fa 18

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