Thursday, September 20, 2012
Research
Looking at the different studies and research regarding technology and education is phenomenal, I'm always shocked but not surprised at the different numbers that we run a cross. For example 16% from grades K-2 have smart phone, and 44% grades 9-12. I honestly thought that the number of k-2 would be a little bit less than that and for grades 9-12 would have been more, simply because these students are on the verge of entering college, making more decisions, having different choices. I was surprised with how many kindergartners through second grade have smart phone, many questions come to mind, for example; are they using their smart phone to play games, watch videos, primarily as their entertainment, or they are able to go deeper and search for other interesting things about the world that is out there. I would also be curious to know if there is any parental control on these devices, or are they using them as they please. Because if they do not have any parental control, so then there is no point to have ratings on movies or music, and in which case every piece of information including positive and negative will come cross our kids and will raise more questions and of course debates about the reliable sources and the unreliable sources in our community, culture, and of course our education life. I also think that with grades 9-12 there should be some parental control, as to be aware of what our kids are curious about, because those questions will force them to go out and search for answers, even if they are not reliable sources, or the information is not true. I believe that this information is very helpful, not only as a future teacher but also as a mother, because I want to be on the same level and page as my kids and students are. I have to make sure that I'm gearing them toward the good and positive direction for success. We should also be very cautious about research findings, because they could be collecting data from various sources, we have to make sure that we are doing our research and maintaining a better understanding of the new culture and the new technology that is aound us.
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Hi Jackie. I was also shocked to see that so many young kids have smart phones. My mom didn't let me have a cell phone until I was a sophomore in high school. Even then it was a prepaid phone and I was only allowed to use it for emergencies! Now, I see the 4 and 5 year olds in the classroom I aide in trying to come to school with their iPads and iPhones. I agree that parental control is very important because who knows what kind of information and games they could access otherwise. Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if some parents didn't bother with parental blocks on younger kids' devices. A lot of the students I work with love to tell me how they've seen the Dark Knight movies!
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a great mother and I think you'll make a good teacher as well. Your children are lucky to have you :)
Common Sense Media (.org) is a great resource for parents that monitor their children. I'll admit that as the mother of 11 year old twins its been difficult to strike a balance. My kids didn't get a phone (and they shared it for the first year) until they were 10 and it was only out of necessity! Almost all of their 11 and 12 year old friends have Facebook accounts but I won't let my kids (no reason for it at this age!). However, I did give in and let them have an Instagram account. And I'm an educated, technology savvy parent! Imagine how difficult it is for someone who is not in the same category.
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