Double Entry Journal #10

1.     What is the fundamental problem with the discourses around children’s use of technology?

It has been argued that an entire generation of young people is different to previous generational cohorts because of its experience of networked and digital technologies, claims of a generational shift that includes significant changes in attitudes and approaches to learning; the shift being from a teacher-centered form of education to a learner-centered approach.

2.     What is meant by the term “moral panic?” Link an image, online article, cartoon, or some other resource that depicts the “moral panic” associated with young people’s use of the digital technologies.

http://techliberation.com/2009/01/23/video-games-and-moral-panic/

Above is diagram of the moral panic released in the vast world of research and information that technology provides.

Moral panic is a term that has arisen to describe conditions in which an identified group in society is portrayed as a threat to social values and norms. The identified group is placed in media spotlight and often described in sensational terms as a threat to the status quo. Digital natives and the Net Generation can perform this role in relation to universities and university teaching.

3.     How do you feel about engaging in more “collaborative learning” during your education at Fairmont State?

In the book the author defines collaborative learning by describing the technological changes consequent to the development of the Internet and how its been linked to more cooperative and collaborative forms of learning. An example of which is computer conferencing.  In my personal opinion this class is my first real interaction with any form of collaborative learning. I find it difficult simply because I am not particularly tech savvy, but I also find it interesting and rewarding in a way.  Ever since I wanted to become a teacher I’ve gone to class and not only have I listened but I have observed, not just to learn the material but to understand the style in which it is being presented.  Since I’ve done this I’ve found styles I’ve liked and not liked. Technology I truly see as an aid to teachers, as a college student I enjoy collaborative learning because it is interesting and new, and I hope see more of it in my college years, but for kids I think it won’t be as particularly new, but it will make things more simple and intriguing.

4.     Do you think universities should move to a more free-market based privatization business model? Why?

Free-market is what has made this country great however turning education into a business model is very risky. Collaboration between schools to better the education of students is one of the pluses of this venture, however a question of regulation, and how much regulation is very evident. I still think government should be involved in some way shape or form to make sure standard curriculum and practices are kept.

5.     According to the author what is wrong with Prenskey’s revised position on his definition of “digital native?” Do you agree with this author’s criticism of Prenskey’s view of the role technology plays in the education of young people?

According to the author Prenskey’s determinism links to a wide range of arguments, for example about education and Web 2.0, that encourages panic and a competitive logic focused on social change and the way the demands for a new workforce affect students.  This is perhaps the first time I have disagreed with the author I feel the terms “digital native” and “digital immigrant” will change over time, as most labeling words do. As generational exposure progresses with the newer forms of technology I agree with Prenskey when he says the divide will soften and the true debate will be over the pursuit of “digital wisdom”

6.     What are the characteristics of a “Millennial?” Are you a “Millennial?”

“Millennial” are said to be heroic, collegial, and rationalistic. Interestingly they are also said to have values that include community, technology, and affluence.

I would say I am more in the pursuit of being a “Millennial,” I don’t feel I am quite there yet. My ideals reflect that of a “Millennial” but skills are still sorely lacking. I still react on impulse or emotion; my priorities are misplaced from those of community and technology. However I feel I am closer to the “Mellinnial” distinction everyday. 

7.     Do you think there is such a thing as the “Net Generation?” Why? Why not?

I do believe there is such a thing as a “Net Generation” simply because there is a clear distinction between generations with technological availability and generations without technological availability. Although there is no specific age demographic for the “Net Generation” the divide is evident within Universities and schools.

8.     What is meant by the term “networked individualism?”

The term “networked individualism” suggests a move away from place-to-place interaction towards interactions that are person-to-person in character. The pattern of social life enabled by networked digital technologies is one that allows for a sociability based on the person, connecting people through geographic-collaboration, networked individualism allows for a new network sociality. The new networks rely as much on weak ties as they do on the strong ties of traditional groups and communities.

9.     How do you feel about Fairmont State discontinuing the use of Blackboard and Webmail to using Gmail and Google tools?

To be perfectly honest I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m kind of indifferent on the subject. I am new to Gmail and Google tools, and I’m very new to the new blackboard system that Fairmont State has now. I haven’t grown particularly attached to either one. It seems that Blackboard has been a nuisance for not only students but teachers as well, it seems that the creators are trying to make it a social network of sorts when all we need it to be is a function for education. I can see the perks with each decision and the draw backs so I’m kind of undecided.

10.  Why does the term “Digital Native” persist despite lack of empirical evidence of age related difference due to rapid increase of digital technologies?

There are some good reasons for this persistence. First, there is a general need to stereotype in order to reduce complexity and to apply simplified rules of thumb. Second, is a commercial and market interest in perpetuating the idea of a new generation that requires certain kinds of technological change.

11.  Who societal sector seems to be benefiting the most from the social construction of a “Digital Native” generation?

The commercial and market sector.

12.  Which argument about “digital natives” needs to be discarded and which one needs to be explored? Why?

The first argument, and the one that is most associated with the idea of the Net Generation and digital natives, is that the ubiquitous nature of certain technologies, specifically gaming and the Web, has affected the outlook of an entire age cohort in advanced economies. A second, related but distinct argument is that the new technologies emerging with this generation have particular characteristics that afford certain types of social engagement. It is the first of these arguments that we may need to abandon in the face of the empirical evidence. The second argument is the rational kernel at the heart of the argument. The idea that technologies simply determine the outlook of an entire generation is on that should be discarded. However, the idea that the area of choice in education has been expanded by new technologies is on that still needs to b explored. By shifting our attention to the ways in which technologies might all for new kinds of social engagement, the argument moves towards choice and the ways in which technologies might allow for new kinds of educational engagement.