The three most influential technologies I chose were texting, from a
cellular phone, Facebook, and Google. As far as texting goes, it can
sometimes be very beneficial. I can quickly send an important message
without interrupting a class that I'm in, or while I'm at work, or
pretty much anywhere. However, there are definitely pitfalls when it
comes to texting. Sometimes I rely too much on texting and I find that
sometimes it is hard to have an actual face to face conversation with
someone. If I'm mad it's a lot easier to fight with someone through
text messaging. I also find that messages tend to get lost in
translation. I can take something someone texted me the wrong way and
vice versa. I noticed that where I was student teaching, lot of students were using text message lingo in their writing. That definitely is a
downfall as well. All in all, texting is very convenient but should be
used with discretion.
The next influential communication technology I chose is Facebook.
Facebook is a perfect way for people to stay informed about friends,
family, and loved ones. People who live across the state, across the
country, and even across the world can stay in touch through pictures,
messages, status updates, etc. via Facebook. I know I love to talk to
people I met from Australia, England, South Africa, etc. and it is a
free and easy way to communicate. However, like texting, there are some
downfalls. There is the privacy issue as well as the issue of
addiction. I've seen many friends (and even myself in some cases!)
become extremely addicted to checking up on our pages. I am also
concerned with bullying. In the school where I did my student teaching, there
were several cases of cyberbullying via Facebook. I understand that
bullying is a huge concern and is going to happen with or without
Facebook but, students should still be informed of the consequences of
sharing too much information via Facebook, or any other social
networking website. Just like texting, Facebook is a very convenient
form of communication but it should also be used with caution.
The final most influential communication technology I chose was
Google. As far as communication is concerned, maybe there is not that
much going on. However, there is certainly a lot of students "googling"
information and communicating it to other students. Google is a great
way to find a quick answer. It is extremely convenient and easy to use,
just like texting and Facebook. If you need a answer quick. "Just
Google it." I hear this so much through out the day. But thank
goodness, my cooperating teacher did not fall into the Googling hype.
As a future history teacher I agree with his tactic. Students need to
research answers, not just type it in and get the answer. They really
need to look hard to find what they are searching for and find the
truth for themselves. At times, Google can make students lazy because
there is literally no work involved. Of course I believe Google is a
great tool to use for finding simple answers, but I believe we must
teach or students to not take it for granted, as if what Google says is
the be all and end all.
In conclusion, all of these technologies have greatly impacted by
life, for better and for worse. As long as we teach students to use them
in the proper way, and not take advantage, I believe we can
successfully incorporate these technologies in the classroom. I believe
that I definitely relate to the students in the videos, as well as
students in my classes. I text, use facebook, google, etc. and I know
they do as well. It is up to me to utilize technology responsibly in
order to appear as a role model to the students using their
technologies.
I have to say I really enjoyed reading this. I agree with a lot of what you had to say. I think that texting and communications like it really do eliminate the human contact and continually push us further and further away from the physical aspect and more toward the virtual. I agree that texts are easily misinterpreted. I think it's important to make sure our students know how to have an actual face to face conversation and I like how you ended your blog noting that as teachers we need to teach our students to set limits and make sure they know the proper way to use these technologies (such as Googling everything and simply thinking that's the answer because Google said so). It's important to make sure our students know the difference between a credible, scholarly site and one that a random person made (since just about anyone can put whatever they want on the internet).
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that she has already experienced how technology greatly enriches classroom instruction however, can also have many negative effects if relied on or used in excess. I as well agree that the literacy awareness of modern youth can be distorted by reliance on texting/chating lingo to communicate complex ideas and concepts. Today's youth has the extraordinary advantage of cyber search engines that can locate any form of information in an instant. When I was growing up I had to go to the library (an activity that has become increasingly archaic) in order to find an appealing book to read or obtain accurate factual information. Still one has to be wise in selecting information from the web, as not everything that is posted on an article or web site is totally accurate or appropriate for school assignments.
ReplyDeleteTrisha, thanks for your honesty in how you use technology. I agree that the technologies you have chosen definitely have positives and negatives. Being that texting and Facebook are a large part of students' lives, what do you think are some ways to use these tools in order to increase learning opportunities for your students?
ReplyDeleteOne good form is to communicate with others in the class. Like, I just Facebook messaged Bobby to post his Interactivity so I can comment on it.
ReplyDeleteLike others before me, I enjoyed your honesty. So many people today have difficulty being professional in emails because of the texting lingo, and holding conversations in person because they are used to being able to wait to think before texting someone back. Although I am a music major, I'm a big stickler on grammar and spelling (double-checking my post now so I don't look like a hypocrite...)
ReplyDeleteIn response to Facebook: I have many connections from other countries and other parts of our own country and the easiest way to keep in touch is Facebook. But I agree it is too addicting; we even have Facebook apps on our cell phones!