Journal #2

Susan McLester, "Technology Literacy and the MySpace Generation"

This article discusses the new generation of digital natives and their unlimited access to all kinds of information. It talks about the evolution of NET Standards and the problem of how they can be applied to a constantly evolving technological realm. Open Source technologies are constantly being developed to allow for more participation on the Web, and employers are looking to hire people who can adapt to this constantly changing landscape and interact globally. The author argues that we have no choice but to immerse students in technology.

After reading this article, my attitude towards allowing students to use technology tools hasn't changed much. I have always held the belief that students should be exposed to technology whenever it is available and should be taught how to use it properly and ethically. The article did make me think more about the future implications for those students who aren't exposed to technology for whatever reasons. There seems to be a potential for a "technology gap" between those students who have had access to technology and those who haven't. For example, a student who has unlimited access to their own computer not only gains technology skills but is also able to socially network with a vast array of people, which might give him or her a huge advantage over a low-income student who has little or no access to technology and isn't taught its value. Because of this, I think it's really important that we as teachers try to ensure equitable access to technology for all students, particularly in low socioeconomic areas. If we fail to do this, then standardizing technology will only serve to perpetuate and even exacerbate social inequality.

Q1.) As McLester asks, “How can I empower and protect my students in an environment that increasingly eludes me?”

I think this is an excellent question. I can empower my students by teaching them how to use technology creatively and efficiently. I can empower them by giving them more input and listening to them, maybe even letting them teach me a thing or two about technology! I guess I can never fully protect them from the harmful stuff, but I can make sure that I teach them how to use technology responsibly and ethically and why it’s so important to do so. I think it’s really important to make them aware that the Web is a public domain, even though it’s easy to forget that. I will also work with my school’s technology experts to make sure that harmful websites are blocked.

Q2.) How can I ensure that my own students are given equal access to technology?

I will try to secure as many computers for my classroom as possible by applying for grants. Maybe I could also organize some sort of class or even school-wide fundraiser to raise money for classroom computers. I will incorporate technology into my lesson plans as often as possible so that students who don’t have computers at home can gain experience in a wide variety of technological applications. I will teach about the value of technology and encourage students to take advantage of the school computer lab.