Here's the link:
What's the Matter With Kids Today? by Amy Goldwasser
In
our class discussion of this article, we seemed to agree on the idea
that, if kids use common sense and self-control, technology can be a
powerful learning tool and an outlet for creative expression. Here's my
question: can we really rely on teens, or even their parents, to apply
self-control and establish limits in their use of technology?
Yes, i'm afraid we can rely on teens or the parents of teens to use self control and limit themselves when it comes to technology. We must do this actually, just like relying on them to be trustworthy, have integrity, and be on time for events, etc...
ReplyDeleteI also think technology is fine as long as people learn self control. I love how the author said that teens actually read and write 16.7 hours a week online. So it's not that reading is on a decline, it is just switching to a different type of reading.
ReplyDelete~Staci Galvez
It's obvious to me that this article is at least a few years old (written 03/2008) because the medium for internet browsing seems to be pc/laptop instead of cell phones. Over the last 2 years, the amount of web content being viewed on cell phones has dramatically increased. The downfall to this is that it usually comes in the form of an app instead of a browser. So if someone wanted news, they'd most likely have a news app instead of trying to navigate a screen designed for viewing on a device other than a phone....and really, how many people even know someone who has a news app? Not I.
DeleteYou also have to consider the type of reading being done online. Reading Facebook posts that are riddled with errors, acronyms, and short, easy sentence structures isn't the same as reading a book by a respected author.
Delete-Charles S.
I agree. This is so true. It's not that we don't know how to read anymore we are just doing it in a different way. We do need to make sure we have some moderation with tehnology though.
DeleteKaylee Moore
A perfect example of this is my 12 yr old step-sister. She asked for an e-reader so she could more easily do assigned reading from school. OK, sounds legit so far. Then she wanted one that was backlit so it was easier in low light...and color was definitely preferred to b&w....and since all those features come on a regular tablet instead of just a simple kindle it had better be one that can facilitate the "occasional" game too. Somehow she managed to talk them into a 7" tablet instead of the simple e-reader she originally requested. This was 2 months ago...in that time she has read only one book, but played hours of games.
ReplyDeleteI don't think people can really be left to themselves to regulate their time between reading and playing. My childhood was a battle for doing what I wanted and what adults told me to read, and I didn't have as many technological distractions as kids/teens/grownups today. I think the key is finding a way to get people excited to read, and maybe books like "The Hunger Games" are that way.
I absolutely believe books like "The Hunger Games" get people excited to read. I know it has gotten people to read who hate to read, just because everyone else is doing it. These kind of books are pretty powerful.
Delete-Jaxson S.
I think it all depends on the person. I mean, even if someone doesn't invest in a Nook color and gets a tablet instead, there are some people who CAN discipline themselves. Some people are just susceptible to distractions while other may not be so vulnerable.I don't think it necessarily applies to everyone.
ReplyDelete-Bryson C.
I agree, there are people that have great discipline and make themselves stop, but I think the main thing people need to realize is that we all need balance in life.
DeleteWhats the matter with kids today as a great point. I think that kids are spending a lot of time in the computers and they are becoming documentarians. They know more if they need to know something all they have to do is go through the internet and find it. But also think that no only teens and kids are writing more through the social websites but also adults too.
ReplyDeleteZul M.
Yes, I think if people in general use the internet and all of the new technology for the right reasons, it can take all of us to a whole new level. If you want it to be effective though, in my personal opinion you need to be open to new ideas and change. If you are ignorant and resistant to change, then of course it won't "work" for you. Self-control causes a more positive outlook on things i think.
ReplyDeleteOf course I believe there are some teens that are just addicted to technology but I believe that most teens have self control and adults do not give teens enough credit. With technology such as FaceBook kids can catch up on current events and see what is happening different parts of the world and being able to comment and share to friends gives teens more of a voice.
ReplyDelete-Joci Barton
The distractions and the risk of losing self-control in the data universe are always going to be there. I don't lose hope though. There will always be teens out there who will recognize the things they need to do to be successful and accomplish the things they want to. With a bit of planning, any teen who has an ounce of common sense won't let distractions overtake them in their studies.
ReplyDelete-Colton W.
I feel that technology had become a large distraction for young children and has truly over powered the outdoor play and exercise. The question then must be asked, is it better to exercise the body or the mind if a choice must be made?
ReplyDelete-Karleigh A.
I agree with you that children are not going outside more, but why can't we strive for balance. Parents need to be parents and make their kids go outside. technology is very useful, but excerise needs to be there too.
DeleteOh I absolutely believe some kids are addicted to technology. They can have self control but even just the need to use their cell phone is an example of how much they crave technology. I know that I can go without having my cell phone but it is inconvenient. A lot of kids I know just like them for games and for something that will keep them busy.
ReplyDelete-Taylor O.
It is very common for kids to be addicted to technology. How can they not be with everything new that is coming out? It's like an epidemic of who can have the latest xbox game, or who has the newest/nicest phone, etc. It will only take off from here. In order for something to change, technology will have to slow down, and I really don't think that will happen any time soon.
ReplyDelete-Bailey M.
I do not think that teens have the self control to limit themselves when it comes to technology. From my experience the more time is given to teenagers to entertain themselves with technology the more time they will use. All they do is just switch from one technology and get on the other one. Like going from surfing the internet to watching TV while texting on their phone.
ReplyDeleteAnna Hollingsworth
How can we expect teens to learn self control when a lot of adults don't have self control when using technology?
ReplyDeleteStaci Galvez
It starts with the individual, whoever that individual is. I think that we need to stop worrying about other peoples problems with technology and focus on ourselves, and then when we are under control we can help other.
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