This week instead of reading an article you will view a presentation that has been converted to a PDF format. To see this file you will go to the assignments section of our course on Blackboard. View the presentation, think about what it says, and write a reflective comment on this blog.
The presentation summarizes a survey of parents that was conducted by Common Sense Media and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. As you read the results, think about how digital media use relates to you. Which of the parent opinions do you agree with and which ones do you think are wrong? Do you agree with the parents’ opinion about communication and collaboration and how well the Web helps students learn these skills? Respond to the following quote: “Our kids are adapting to change at breakneck speed. Adults who nurture children are trying to catch up to ensure that the new, ubiquitous digital diet is balanced and educational.” What can you do to help your parents? How should we help your parents understand the potential and the risks of digital media? Do you agree with the teachers’ opinions about video games, MP3 players, and cell phones? What recommendations would you make to educate parents and teachers? Can you think of any creative uses for video games, MP3 players, and cell phones in education?
Blackboard Link
19 comments:
As I read through the presentation, looking at parent and teacher opinions, there were some statistics I agreed with and some I found hard to believe. I agreed with parents who thought that digital media was as important as traditional skills, and that it is critical to their child’s success. Yet I did not agree with parents who were skeptical about digital media’s ability to help kids learn important 21st century skills. The quote describes parents adapting to rapid changes in technology just as well as their kids. They try to get their child enough resources for them to perform well. Parents already know a great deal of the risks and advantages of digital media; they weigh them and eventually come to the decision that the advantages outshine the risks. A lot of teachers believe that MP3 players, mobile phones, video games and other entertainment devices have no place in school and call them a distraction. I agree that use of such facilities is distracting, yet they should not be completely banned, but allowed to be used in a limited fashion. To parents and teachers, I would recommend giving their child a break from all the hard work as at school. Video games, cell phones, mp3 players have their own advantages besides being used for entertainment. They hone the child’s skills in communication, and music especially is good while studying, which recent studies have proven.
There were some parts of the presentation I found out very surprising, but the overall results were as I expected. I strongly agree with some parents' opinions that digital media is as important as traditional skills. These days, we are expected to have a certain level of these skills. The quote basically says that parents are also adapting to new changes as well as their children. Although I believe most parents are aware of importance of digital media these days, well organized educations would certainly help them understand better understand the potential and the risks of digital media. I do agree with the teachers' opinions about video games, MP3 players and cell phone. However, they are still somewhat necessary. The fact that video games promote critical thinking as well as hand-eye coordination was also interesting.
The presentation showed various statistics and there were some that I agreed but some I was shocked by it. Parent’s opinion about digital media as a significant role in their child was acceptable but parents having negative opinion about digital media’s ability to aid their children were just shocking. They are just thinking that computers and cell phones have negative affect on their children. The quote is referring to parents who are catching up with modern technologies like their children. Well, cell phones and electronic devices can be useful to children these days because they rely on these devices. For instance, there can be word game or puzzle on the cell phone application that can help the child’s mental development.
I agree with parents that digital media is a traditional skill but i don't agree with that is it a 21 century skill. The quote says that parents are getting into more technology skills like the kids. Even though parents are aware digital media is important being educated would help. I agree with the teachers opinions about cell phones, video games, and ipods. I also believe that these help out kids because they make the kids think
I agree with the parents that think that digital media is essential, that digital media gives children the skills they need in the 21st century. I don’t agree with the parents that don’t think that digital media doesn’t help communication with one another, and how to be a good friend. Digital media is a big part of my social network. Without it I wouldn’t be able to keep in touch or be entertained. My parents trust me enough to let me communicate with my friends through digital media. I do think that parents with younger children should be concerned because the Internet isn’t really the safest place to let their kids surf on their own. I agree with the teachers that agree to that video games, MP3 players and cell phones help kids communicate, collaborate, and take responsibility. Even though all three are distractions when it comes to studying and learning, they are and should be essential in a child’s life. I would recommend the parents and teachers to let the children explore on their own, because making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn. Yes, all 3 are educational in someway. MP3 players = music = lyrics= words + story + lesson= learning. Cell phones = communication (interacting with others) + applications that help with organizing which can be very useful in a persons life.
Digital media does applies to me a lot. I often listen to music and watch videos on the internet. I agree with the parents who say that digital media is an important thing to learn. I highly disagree with the parents who do not think that digital media is an important thing. It is useful being able to look at news, or do other digital media things, after all know most news is digital. In order to help our parents with this rapid change, we can teach our parents about digital media. We should teach our parents and other adults about it so that they will be able to look at media over the internet and on their computers.
I feel that digital media has really made a difference in my computer-useful life because it has taught me various new things such as using Garage Band, and iMovie. I agree with the parents who think that the Internet and digital media are useful because it really is and I think that the people who think that they are not useful are backward people. Yes I do agree with the parents' opinion, I would probably keep my parents up to date with the latest technology. I personally don't think digital media has any risks but it’s quite the opposite. I don't agree with the parents at all. I would probably recommend them to give digital media a break and tell them to try it out because it is really useful. I think the video games has lots of uses like it educates the player, some games help stimulate the mind.
I am actually surprised by all of the positive feedback from digital media sources from parents. I don't think that this was a very accurate survey though. All of the parents that filled out the survey were fellow Internet browsers. There are so many parents that don't even know how to do anything with a computer and would disagree to the fact that digital media is a benefit in their child's education. I disagree with the fact that they think digital media is as important as media skills. If it was, it would be a mandatory class like English and Mathematics, but it's not. I also don't understand how GarageBand or Photoshop provides a variety of educational benefits. Yes, us children should know how to use the Internet to browse for homework or how to make a power point for a project, but I don't think we really need everything else. We shouldn't try and get too fancy with a computer unless we would like to pursue in a career that relates to computers. If we would like a career in that field, we would choose to take the class. In the quote, I agree that kids are adapting to technology changes and change but not only because of digital media. Yes, it helps, but most of us already knew more about computers than our parents before taking the digital media class. The class just teaches us how to make pictures prettier and how to make a remake of a song. I'm not going to help my father with anything on his computer unless he asks for help. He knows the basic things to do on his computer and he obviously doesn't need any assistance because he hasn’t asked. Therefore I think that he doesn't think it is necessary to know any more about computers. I actually do agree with the parents about cell phones and mp3 players: that they don't provide an educational benefit. They are a distraction in class and I agree to the rule about banning them during classroom hours. I would recommend to teachers and parents to let the students decide whether or not digital media is a benefit to their education. One use of cell phones in education is to use it as a calculator, but I honestly can't think of another use for it. I also can't think of any other use for video games or MP3 players. I’m sorry Mr. Beyer if my opinions offended you in any way.
The parents' reviews were very interesting. I agreed with some and disagreed with others. I agree that some parents said that digital media is important for a child's success in the area of technology and computers. However I disagree that some parents stated that Digital Media is crucial and critical for children to understand and use technology. I disagree because without the course of Digital Media, I still knew how to use and work around technology and especially computers in which I use everyday. Yes, Digital Media would be very helpful and is actually more beneficial that it could be harmful but critical its not. Yes, that I strongly have to agree with because if anything is beneficial in using a computer or being in Digital Media its learning how to communicate and collaborate. My parents for example don’t mind me using a computer or a PlayStation or MP3 since they say that it helps me stay in touch with others and to even meet new people. What they want me to learn most out of it is to improve my technological skills. The quote means that with our world today, technology is improving and changing like never before, and that their kids are changing and adapting to it as soon as it comes out. This to my view is a good thing because it keeps people up to date with technology today and this way kids can be more educated and can learn or improve their skills in using technology which is a very good thing for future jobs that require a field of technological experience. In my opinion technology will never be balanced. Their will always be thousands if not hundreds of thousands of different types and colors and kinds and makes, etc. This is neither a good nor a bad thing. We are living in the 21st century; our life is going to get more advanced by the day. If parents want to be balanced in terms of technology than I recommend that the only thing parents can do is buy the same technology for themselves and their kids. This way a kid won't have a state-of-the-are gadget while his father is still using a five year old one. To help our parents we can try to not be "spoiled" and to accept any gadgets or technology given and to try and keep it balanced with out parents and with the rest of the family for that matter. I don’t see any risks in having a Digital Media class except that it might not be good to sit in front of a computer for the remainder of the period. I only see potential and beneficial results in having Digital Media. I agree that some technological uses are a distraction and it is true because instead of studying, some kids are playing video games or listening to music. Use it, don’t abuse it! Make the right choice and use what you have wisely, and balance is not only for technology, it's for life. Balance out your life and have some time to play and some time to study. I think if children can use there gadgets wisely and can still maintain high marks than why not have them. If not than the kids don’t deserve having a distraction so early in life. I recommend that parents and teachers let students and children use whatever gadgets they desire and to let them use them as long as they don’t abuse them and as long as they don’t take advantage and not focus on schoolwork. The only beneficial uses for MP3 players and video games and etc. are that they improve technological skills. Other than that I cannot think of anything.
I agree that we need digital media, particularly now a day most of the jobs available have to do with digital media and technology. I personally think it’s very important because if it weren’t for Mr. Beyer and the digital media class I would have never known what audacity was and how it’s used. I mean you never know I can find a job in the future were audacity is a big part of my job. Yes, I do agree with parents on how much the web helps students learn those skills, in fact I believe there is no other way. I don’t have to think of “creative uses” because communication is what makes us different that all other living creatures, we actually got somewhere because of communication, and if people are starting to think there is something wrong with it they might want to think twice. My parents don’t really care if I use my ipod or maybe my Xbox since it helps widen my knowledge in technology and it also helps me communicate and have a good social part in me. The quote means that when new technology comes out kids automatically adapt to it. I think that that’s a good think because as I mentioned above many jobs require a good technological background. About the digital diet balance, I don’t think it will ever work out since there are so many brands; some products come in so many colors and different brands even though they all have the exact same function. I think that students and teachers should leave children to do what ever they want with their gadgets, but if the children’s’ marks start to drop and its obvious that its because all their time is being wasted on video games, then he gadgets should be taken away.
I agree with some of the parent’s opinions and disagree with others. In this century, digital media has take over almost every capable child. By capable I mean that they can purchase digital things and are able to purchase more. Statistically, I don’t think there are many kids that have the financial ability to purchase computers. But in terms of the number of people that are able to purchase computers, I think that they are the ones that are being taken by storm. I agree with some parents that digital media skills are very important. I don’t agree with what the parents say about the negative side effects. I think that in today’s world, online social life is almost parallel in importance to the real social lives we have. I really liked this quote. I really think that in today’s world there’s a very big technological gap between our parents and us. Some of the technology we are learning can help us in the future but it is also ruining our self-confidence and trustworthiness.
Nowadays we live in a world where we are driven by technology. The use of computers has become so critical that without them, there’s not much we can do. I noticed in the presentation that there are some parents that agree digital medial skills are very essential at this time. It is very important that children are aware and knowledgeable of computer use because nearly everything they do at some point will require the use of a computer. While our parents were growing up, they did not really need the use of computers the way we do now. Furthermore, nearly every household has nearly one computer so knowing how to use them is inevitable. As for the use of electronic devices such as MP3s and hand helds at school, I don’t completely agree with banning them completely. To some extent they do cause a distraction to students, however, students should still be allowed to use iPod’s for example when doing independent silent work. I, for example, work better when listening to my iPod because I’m actually less distracted that way.
I agree with the parents that with the majority of parents in everything they were rated on because in this new world you need to know how to use these programs. Yes I do agree with the parents. I like this quote and it is true parents today ask there kids for help when it comes to computers. You can teach them how to use programs that they use often no need to help them with the advanced stuff. Kids can manipulate basically anything report cards, picture, anything and parents will have no idea. I do not agree with them mp3 players can also be a form of relaxation as a school is a stressful place. Using video games to learn things that are usually boring.
I think that parents have been too harsh, maybe even bias, in the judgment of video games. They deemed them to only be useful in developing hand-eye coordination, whilst they forget that video games have plots which help teach children about creativity and basic modes of storytelling and other types of literature. Video games also have a wide array of characters, each with their own opinions and thoughts, which can carry logical conversations about a wide range of topics spanning from politics to morality. Most recent video games such as Call of Duty 4, or Halo 3 place children in positions where they learn about responsibility for their actions and where they learn how to collaborate with their teammates to achieve a goal. If parents choose to carp over the fact that the other characters in video games are virtual, arguing that the lessons they teach are unsound, there also is a remedy for their sophistry. Most video games created by software producers today enable their players to play against other real individuals by use of the internet. Now the same lessons are taught whilst another human being may be at a loss due to someones mistakes, and they can communicate with each other which is at most times a prerequisite for success. Therefore, I believe that parents have been deeply unappreciative of the tools that video games are equipped with and the efficacy of the lessons they can teach. (Part 1)
Digital media is exactly what it is, a new medium. This medium has devoured our world and now, we must make use of it in an educational sense rather than a traditional perspective that loses much potential. We can utilize MP3's to listen to lectures for iTunes U, a program done by iTunes taking various elite colleges, recording their lectures and putting them up for free. Not just that, but various studies have shown that music can put a beat in the brain which improves cognitive ability, thus even though kids like to use them, they also gain a benefit from it. Video games are also great for education. They are right now being used in the States for exercise (DDR: Dance Dance Revolution) because it is a fun way to exercise. The way that I see people think it's wrong in school is because people enjoy, well, this media. That's why they don't see it as educational. I much rather listen to a lecture on my iPod, laying in bed or reading a textbook, then sit in class and listen to a lecture.
I agree with the ones that believe it’s a good traditional skill to help improve the daily lives of their kids. But some of them rather seemed to dislike that, and I can understand because the parents might not have enough knowledge of it themselves, so they fear it. In a way I do agree with the quote but at the same time, the web should be freely explored with guidance rather than full control. Educate them in such matters and offer them to explore the subject themselves. I do agree with the teachers about the MP3 players, video games, and cell phones. But the thing is, its nice to occasionally escape reality and have some fun. The only way to educate them is if they try it themselves. Yes, you can use such entertainment sources for learning. For example why not use them as a reward for accomplishing a certain assignment?
At times, I agree with the opinions of these parents. I think the quote "Our kids are adapting...."is true, fairly obviously. As the world changes, each generation will grow up in a slightly different world even than those only a few years older than them. I think some kids think of the internet and most forms of digital media as kind of "kids' worlds" where no parent should be found, but if parents understood technology perhaps they would embrace it.
That being said, (and this is a little off topic) I think every parent should keep their child away from television and the internet for as long as they possibly can, and instill in them a love of reading.
The fantastic discussion in this forum on children's use of digital media is heartening to all of us at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. Posters here might like to read more aboout our research, including 2 new reports the center released last month--one by noted videogame expert James Paul Gee, the other by Bank Street professor Rima Shore on how to harness digital media, especially games to accelerate kids learning. Please visit the new website joanganzcooneycenter.org to find out more about our work and to join our mailing list
Michael
Michael Levine
michael.levine@sesameworkshop.org
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