Google, iPhones, and Kindles. Oh my.

Compare and Contrast each documentary. What has changed from the first one (Growing Up Online) made in 2008 to the newer one (Digital Nation) filmed in 2010? How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?

The first documentary really focused on younger folks and their personal internet use; the second, on the use of the Internet in corporations, the army, and schools. I found the second video to be much more mentally challenging because it presented ideas for which I don’t have a solution. As someone who loves to shut down and read a good book, can I ever be OK with the idea that it’s OK if kids don't like to do that anymore? I think Sherry Turkle hit the nail on the head when she said that the Internet and its vast capabilities have caused us to rethink our values. And that’s scary! In my twenty-eight years, I have had the same morals and goals, and I have placed value in the same things. Now, many of the things I've believed in are being challenged. I read my books on a device (and I love my Kindle!), I watch podcasts and lectures on iTunes University, and I work from my living room and communicate with co-workers online. I was intrigued by the comment from Mark Prensky in the second video, who said that, with each innovation, something is lost. His example was that, with the invention of writing, our memories were no longer quite as necessary. We can no longer remember things the way our ancestors could, because we no longer need to do so. So, I would argue that we can lean on technology to do tasks for us, so that we can use the excess mental energy to do what we were unable to do before. And I don't think that's a bad thing at all.

Your thoughts on multitasking. Do you agree? Can you multitask? Do you disagree with the video on the topic of multitasking?

I can NOT multitask successfully. I try, but I often fail. When I attempt to read a book and watch television, I find that I miss out on information in both. When I try to write a paper or an email while listening to music, I find that I've typed the song's lyrics instead of what I intended to write. However, I also find that when I’m listening to a lecture or reading a textbook, sometimes I need to stop and check my mail to switch gears a bit. Then, my mind is ready to focus back on my reading or listening.

Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?

I am constantly connected with my iPhone. Constantly. It is never away from my hand for longer than the amount of time it takes to shower in the morning. When I first “gave in,” and got a smart phone, I didn't think I’d use its features. Slowly, I began to see the benefits it offered. During conversations with my husband, if we couldn't remember the name of “that actor” in “that movie,” I’d whip out my phone and have the answer in no time flat. Over time, my phone became an integral part of my life. I feel safe when I have it with me, because I know that if I need something, I can rely on my phone. However, I feel that the word addiction is too strong. I don't constantly think about the technology at my disposal, and I'm perfectly comfortable tuning out and relaxing tech-free. I think that our devices have simply become like appendages; there when we need them, and necessary to our success. They are a part of us.

Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?

In my current job as a technical writer, one or our company initiatives is to add gaming concepts into our documentation and training. The reason behind the push is not so that our deliverables can be cool or new age, it’s so that we can better keep our audience’s attention so that they will better learn the information we are presenting. Aside from its obvious attention-getting uses, games on sites like Tumblebooks and Starfall, which engage children with game-like activities, are actually serving a very important educational purpose. Tumblebooks is a great site for students who are auditory learners as well as those who need images to comprehend text. Starfall helps teach phonics, phonemic awareness, and other literacy skills. These sites allow students to interact with text one-on-one in a way they probably couldn't otherwise in a classroom of 18 other students. 

Do you believe that digital tools such as Google tools can save schools that are struggling?

Absolutely. Google provides information that used to only exist in expensive textbooks, encyclopedias, and periodicals. Using it in the classroom can offer your students the world without the price tag. While I don’t think it is a substitute for a functioning library or a subscription to educational publications, it is a great stepping stone that can help schools save money while still educating their students. In addition, it provides great (FREE!) communication tools like Blogger and Gmail that can help teachers and administration keep in touch with parents and with each other.

Do parents of today have any idea what their kids are doing online? Whose job is it to teach them the safety and digital responsibility? Parents? Teachers? Community? Government?

The technologically advanced parents probably know what their kids are doing online, and the parents who have established an open line of communication about online safety probably also know. Unfortunately, there is a sizable gap between the time when the Internet became popular and the time when parents became tech savvy. Therefore, I think there are many families out there with kids who are online and their parents are in the dark. These are the kids who are making the mistakes that future generations will learn from. At this stage, as an elementary school teacher who knows that the Internet isn't going anywhere, I think I need to teach digital citizenship skills to my young students in the classroom. Hopefully, they will then take this information home to their parents, who are also somewhat knowledgeable.

Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care?

Yes and YES! Posting pictures seems like such an innocent thing, especially when your expectation is that your friends are the only ones who will see them. Unfortunately, you need to think about your future while you’re living your present. It’s part of growing up and accepting responsibility for your own life. Big decisions can have big consequences. We should teach our young students the importance of diligence in maintaining privacy. You should check your privacy settings often, and always err on the side of caution. If you wouldn't want your mom to see your blog/post/picture, give it the most restrictive privacy settings.

“Stranger Danger” and predator fears are often overblown by the media on shows such as Datelines “To Catch a Predator.” What are the real dangers of technology in this day and age?

I think cyber bullying is much more of an issue that online solicitation or pedophilia. Parents may watch to make sure their kids are not talking to strangers, but that won’t help when it’s their so-called friends who are doing the most damage. Also, at this point, law enforcement officials have become very tech-savvy, and have put in place many fail safes to ensure that users leave a trail that can help identify them if need be.