The idea that we have learned to integrate technology into everything we do is one that resonated with me. I think the fact that I never thought about it before is a testament to how true that statement is. Just the other night, in fact, I was playing a computer game while watching TV AND having a conversation with my buddy at the same time. I'd like to see a baby boomer pull that off! So there is some advantage to our tech saavyness, but at what cost?
The privacy issue is to me the biggest concern. I've mentioned before how I really hate to think about how much private information is out in cyberspace beyond my reach. I can "untag" an unsavory picture on Facebook, but that picture is still being stored somewhere. What if I run for president some day? "Ladies and gentleman, my opponent is clearly shown here performing what kids refer to as a 'keg stand.' Is this the type of man you want running our country?"
Scary.
It brings me back to a previous thought I had about our responsibility as teachers to teach digital responsibility. Students need to know that what they do online is NOT private, no matter how strongly they believe it is. The article also mentioned how Generation Mers tend to blur the lines between their real and digital lives, and that doesn't seem healthy either. We need to identify the healthy, productive, uses for technology, and discourage the potentially dangerous ones. I don't think it is beyond our jurisdiction to incorporate those principles into our own education, and I will try to make a point to do that.
Thoughtful response. One tool that can show how "permanent" Web content can be is the Wayback Machine (http://www.archive.org/web/web.php). Type in a URL and see old versions of any Web page they have cached. Millions of Web pages. You can see the early UM Web pages, blogs of people who thought they deleted their blogs, etc.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that Gen Mers are wrong to act as though their real and digital lives are the related; with the innovations in technology the lines are dotted and gray! I know far too many couples that resulted from online interactions (WoW, dating sites, shared interest chatrooms) to believe that the 3D world is entirely separated from what's on screen.
ReplyDeleteThe most important aspect for people to keep in mind is that nothing online every truly disappears. I for one will be haunted by an Angelfire site from the metal band I was in my senior year of high school. Nobody kept the password and we forgot about the site. Google however, did not. As for voting for a president who did a keg-stand, as long as the keg-stand wasn't the night before the election, I think I'd be okay with it.
*are related
ReplyDeleteMy typos are on high tonight.
Three things, Ren.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you make a valid point about the line between virtual and real life. I never thought about the online dating thing. Now I'm starting to wonder if I might find Ms. Right out there the next time I play a game online. ;-)
Second, I personally agree 100% about being ok with a keg-standing president. I'd even be hype to see a new president do a keg stand as soon as the official results were announced. I just wish everyone else in the world were like us.
Third, I MUST see that Angelfire site. Do us all a favor and post the link.
Please.
I agree, I think it is important to teach "digital literacy" in the classroom. Teachers and students should discuss the realities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with technology use. Helping students to think critically about technology will be important throughout their lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Noah,
ReplyDeleteHold on to your seat!
What we are experiencing pedagogical phenomena.
This is perhaps the first time in human history in which the elders learn from the children.