Chapter+1

__Chapter 1__ "The Need for Balance" There’s no doubt the digital age is upon us. And many may agree that it is suffice to refer to the digital age as “the dawn of a new era.” However, considering the laser speed progression of technology just within the beginning of this century, “the mid-afternoon of a new era” may seem more fitting. Let’s face it, technology is not going away any time soon. In fact, the authors refer to a quote by Paul Valery, “The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be.” At the rate technology is moving forward, this quote presents a straightforward question—will education be prepared for the future? It is accurate to say that the digital world is changing the way young people think like never before, and in order to “stay connected” with the younger generation, adults may have to change their thinking as well. The authors suggest this can be accomplished, but only if there is “balance in the lives of adults” (5). Not only do I agree that balance is key, but as an educator, being able to //blend// technology with education is equally important. Another notable point the authors make is the negative effects digital tools have on several areas of development in children. I can’t help but wonder how much room superabundant technology has on developing (or perhaps hindering) creative thought, critical thinking and analytical skills, and let’s not forget about every day interpersonal skills. Left in the hands of teenagers, can social networking sometimes be a mask to hide one’s true self behind or perhaps just the opposite, a case of mistaken identity where a teen can pretend to be someone else? Nonetheless, the inundation of the digital era has given “keeping up with the times” a whole new meaning, and whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay. Here is an interesting article in //Time// magazine about the new digital generation. [|Time article]
 * Diane**

After reading chapters 1 & 2, I have come across many thoughts that have been floating around in my mind. One of them being, how do we teach our students in a digital world when the schools, while hi-tech, aren't actually equipped to teach a digital curriculum? Ever since taking the Contemporary Issues class and reading A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink, I have often wondered what our schools should look like in order to teach our students so they can be successful in the future. //A Whole New Mind// is a great book because it really makes you see what is going on in the world that are students are entering. Also, I like that the book is relatable to educators, but is not written by, or necessarily for, educators. I also wonder what we can do in the undergraduate education programs to prepare future teachers for the digital generation. I didn't graduate too long ago, texting, IMing, google, etc., was extremely prevalant and yet nothing was ever mentioned on how to best teach the kids who were born into this world. If a changes is to be made, I believe one place it needs to start is at the undergrad level. Otherwise, we are just churning out the same type of teacher when we know we don't have the same type of student.
 * Jen Lasso**

I just get frustrated because I hear many people (in person, in books and in articles) discussing what needs to be done but there is still no actual change. How can we turn these thoughts into action and start really changing the way children are educated?

Also, the idea of multitasking intrigued me because I feel that I multitask pretty well, as I feel many parents do out of necessity. So, when I read that it really isn't effective, I had to look into it. And of course, I was proven wrong and the book, of course is right. But I did find this interesting article that gives me some hope that I really am good at multi-taskig! Also check this out - mulit-tasking vs. task switiching


 * Chapter's 1 and 2** : were very interesting in how it detailed and explained the usages, and abuses of technology, as well as intracicies involved with having kids balance their technological lives with their real lives. After reading other's entries, it's interesting to note and see how students today almost have to have some sort of technology in their hands, or readily available in order to function.

Here is an article that shows the effects of technology in the classroom: Effects of Technology on StudentsReadings

This was a government sponsored look into how technology can be used to aid in classroom reform nationwide. It's interesting noting all of the positive aspects incorporated into the report, especially since our students have a constant hunger for more and more technology with everything that we do. - Adam

**Chapter 1**: After reading Chapter 1, I can say that I do agree there is no balance in the lives of kids today. Just a few weeks ago, I can remember my 11 year old cousin telling me how he played X-box all day so he was able to beat different levels. I’m sure he is not the only one out there that participates in marathons of gaming-where is the balance? I haven’t given much consideration to multitasking, because I’m usually multitasking-it comes second nature and unless I stop to think about it, I don’t even realize it half the time. I would be interesting to find out what effect digital technology has on cognitive development; I’m sure this what have a huge impact on our education system, it will point out what we already know-kids are learning differently now then they were before and the approach needs to change.
 * Felicia**


 * Added Value:** There is a lack of balance in kids’ lives when it comes to using technology, and when it comes to tasks (multitasking). The constant switch between tasks is said to be “problematic when trying to complete a specific task because valuable time is lost as we move from endeavor to another.” I think we are all guilty of multitasking (the iPhone, iTouch are just two great examples. Let’s not forgot that we also need to have the skills to know when to concentrate to complete a task (you’re not going to watch a movie when you’re trying to read a text book or write a paper). An interesting question I found when I came across this article is, “What happens when we define improvement as deep, sustained interest in activities, better human interactions, and enjoyment of day-to-day life? Under these premises, have all of these multitasking-enabling technologies improved, or detracted from, our lives?” Check out the article here

Need For Balance- Enjoying this first chapter drew my attention right into the neuroscience topics(which I always find interesting to study) on how all this technology could be effecting cognitive growth;as well as, learning. Jukes further suggests this cultural is losing face- to -face interpersonal skills. Recently, I was talking to a high school teacher and she mentioned she has trouble getting her art students to communicate with each other. I am seeing more and more of that in my second graders-where we have to model and teach social skills through class meeting,small groups and guidance counselor interventions. I was attributing this to developmental issues, no kindergarten retentions and the lack of parenting(however, the digital could be effecting this age group, too) At Christmas, I asked one of my students if he was able to get out and play in the snow over Christmas vacation and hesaid he was inside watching video games and TV. Lastly, Kist pointed out the lack of student appreciation of nature and out of doors. Perhaps,this could be why the students enjoy our butterfly raising unit. Whatever happened to collecting fireflies in the summer and sleigh riding on those great hills? That brings back such fun memories. []?section=view from the bay/tech gadgets&id=6464683&rct=j&q=technology
 * Cindy**

internet and video game addiction This issue discussed in chapter one is something I would definitely like to know more about. The reason I would like to find out more about this issue is because I have an 8 year old son and nephew who like to play video games on Xbox and Playstation or if they cannot do that they want to go on the computer. While I have no problem with them being on the computer [because I feel this helps them learn how to navigate around a computer] I do limit my son's time on it. Also, I limit his time on the video game systems now. For awhile he was caring more about his video games than school or anything else. He would not let his younger brother play with him unless my wife and I made him share. He would very often yell at my younger son [who is 4 and not as good at the games obviously] if he made one little mistake. His behavior in school was getting worse and his grades started to slip. It was not hard to figure out the source of the problem. He now only gets a half an hour if and only if he has a good day at school. And this does not happen everyday if he has a good day or not. If he has just one bad day during the week he loses this privilege for the rest of the week. He is now doing better in school and is playing more with his friends and his brother outside. My nephew's behavior is worse. He literally slams things and says he hates his life if he cannot play his video games. He hurries through his homework because he thinks he will be able to play video games as soon as he is done. From what I read in chapter 1 and the information found in the web site link above I can see the addictive nature technology has on today's youth first hand. I was truly alarmed and scared that my son at 8 years old could be addicted to anything. Especially something that is supposed to be fun and not serious. But from the reading I have learned that anyone [especially children] can become addicted to anything if it is easily available to them in large quantities and various forms. I believe this is a topic and a major area of concern for all parents and for teachers so they can be able to recognize the symptoms of vidoe game addiction and addiction to other types of technology.
 * Nick**

I am very excited about the course and look forward to learning new and innovative ways to use a technology in my everyday life. Although I cannot use a lot of tecnology in my classroom I am hoping that will change in the near future. I hope to learn about more about current technological uses as well as any new uses coming on the near future. I feel that the first night was a good introduction to the class and made me feel more comfortable about what the course will be about and what I am required to do. I know the importance of preparing our students for the 21st century and helping them develop the tools to be a part of the new technology world. My guys especially will need help adjusting because the technology available to them when the ere locked up is quite different now than it was then. Any new things I can help them learn or show them in regard to technology so they know what to expect when they get out of the facility will be of enormous value to them.