I chose this image because all of the information we are exposed to at once. The advances in technology has made advancements in education but has it taken away for the social ethic of youth?
What role is youth playing in today’s civic life? How effectively are they being educated? How should we think about changes in
technology and changing youth culture?
These were all questions addressed in this debate. To me, the biggest influence on our youth is
the constant increase in technology. I
think it makes a huge difference.
This debate was very interesting to me because I was born in
1983 so I am considered a Millenial. I
do not think I am “dumber”. Yet I can
see both sides of the coin here because times have changed. I do not believe any group is “dumb” because
during any of the cohorts over time, what they were doing was advanced for
their age group. As I mentioned above,
technology has been very influential for youth.
I look back at the introduction of technology to me in my computers
class and how much it has changed up to my current educational experience. I can see pros and cons of both Bauerlein and
Howe. I worry that social networking is
taking away a lot of the face-to-face interaction that we need as humans. Yeah video games may be used to train or
educate but I feel like children have been placed in front of TVs and video
games way more than they should be. Yet
Howe says IQ test scores have been steadily rising which is more correlated
with academic achievement. The
improvement of child health & nutrition, information is transferred at a
denser, faster more interactive level with multiple levels of meaning. Entrance scores for assessments such as the
SAT have increased to be able to go to college.
I also feel that there has been a decrease in reading for pleasure and
more for school (I can vouch for that personally). I do not totally disagree with Bauerlein
because I do think the digital age has negative yet positive effect on
youth.
Shannon, I could also see the points both gentlemen were making in this debate. Both made interesting points. I tend to lean more on the side of Howe by giving today's youth the benefit of the doubt. I believe they have more accessibility to the world's knowledge than you or I did at their age, and I have faith that they will use that knowledge to their advantage. This millenial age will be a true test of character. I can't wait to see if this new technology helps, or if it is wasted on today's youth.
ReplyDeleteI agree that face to face interaction is a big problem. My son is big on the Xbox, but I want him to inexact with other kids his age. The now do this over the internet. It's a virtual "play date" so to speak. He talks to them on a headset and they all play the game together. I would have been bored out of my mind. I needed social interaction, but I needed it face to face. Our kids are growing up without personal connections, but we expect them to interact in group discussion and work as partners in school. It's definitely different.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this generation is less intelligent. Howe brings out some good points to point this our. However, I agree with Bauerlein that most of the technology kids using today is for social networking and it should be used for other things. They both agree that kids are spending less time reading leisurely. I can see why...they have more distractions and extracurricular activities than even my generation. We only had one TV with 3 channels and back then kids weren't the bosses of the TV. So, it was either watch what your parents watched, read a book, twiddle your thumbs, or get creative.
ReplyDeleteI too thought it was interesting when Howe said IQ scores are steadily rising. I think this has more to do with reforms in education than the influence of technology, however, I can understand how one would argue that technology is increasing literacy. I do worry that children are not getting the same types of social interaction and that this will have negative consequences on their adult life.
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