Module 3 - The Digital Generation - Leo Cross

Am I part of the Digital Generation?

I’m living in the digital generation, but I certainly wouldn’t consider myself vested in it.  I strongly believe in old school.  I’ve recognized that technology has made people impersonal, less thoughtful, and more harmful.  You don’t really have to “know” anything anymore.  All answers are online.  You don’t have to speak to anyone anymore.  Everyone stays hidden behind texts.  A new form of weaponry has been created, called cyber bullying, causing great emotional harm and death.  I’m not completely sold on this generation.

How do these portraits compare with you, your peers, and K-12 students that you know?

I don’t feel that all of the portraits have been thought through thoroughly.  Say that really fast three times!  Good for Cameron.  He wants to learn more about technology to be able to create special effects in movies.  I say, go to a college that has courses which teach those skills, work hard, and prosper.  Luis backs up my point, though.  He enjoys technology because he can find information.  That’s great in many ways.  But it’s also harmful, in my opinion, for technology to give you answers.  Luis won’t have to socialize or even hold a classical literature text in his hands, because the computer will prevent all of that.  There’s great pleasure to be had in holding a hard back of Gilgamesh in your hands.  Olivia and Justin are also fine examples of my point.  Justin doesn’t feel a need to go to school, because the computer has everything he needs for learning.  What he’s failing to learn, though, is that real life, in person socialization is very important.  You have to know how to act and react amongst real live people.  Olivia says that technology is her lifeline and wouldn’t know what to do without it.  I have the answer.  You might actually have to speak to a real live person, in person.  What will happen to these children if we suddenly come under attack, losing all power and means to use technology?  Olivia already thinks she would die.  There’s a lot to be desired with technology.  It’s so nice to laugh with a friend on the telephone or in person.  Texting doesn’t give me the same satisfaction.  It’s even nicer to sit with a friend and talk, laugh, play, and enjoy nature’s beauty.   As a substitute teacher, I’ve heard a lot.  A student told me that he had no reason to learn to use a map.  As a high school senior, he hasn’t any idea which way is north, south, east, or west.  He said that is what GPSs are for.  What if you can’t afford a GPS?  What if your GPS malfunctions?  Is today’s generation capable of asking for directions without texting someone?  Is today’s generation capable of reading a map to get back on track, especially when they’ve wound up in a deserted town with no cell phone reception?  I worry, very heavily, about today’s generation.

Have your thoughts on how you might use educational technology in the classroom changed now that you know more about the Digital Generation?

No, my thoughts haven’t changed.  I substitute in a school with little access to technology.  Everything is outdated, and they still manage to school highly intelligent children.  What I have discovered is that many of the teachers love their students.  This is relayed to and felt by the students.  Sometimes, instilling confidence in students and letting them know you care is more valuable than cell phones – which, by the way, are not to be used or even seen in the school building.  I agree with showing some videos, as long as they are age appropriate.  I wouldn’t show an old black and white of Shakespeare’s Othello.  I’d show the more modern version, O.  So I’ll definitely do what I can to relate.  However, it’s going to be my job to present “old stuff” and let the students give me their thoughts/opinions in a verbal or written manner.  I’ll be teaching them to think for themselves and problem solve without allowing the computer/internet to do it for them.

Sorry, folks.  I’m so old school.  I’ve a cell phone, a laptop, a car, etc.  However, I only know the basics of their use.  I actually get along pretty well, and have for 41 years.  Technology doesn’t come natural to me.  I’m too much of a nature-type person, finding glory in the texture of a leaf rather than what a cell phone can do for me.  Everyone is individual.  Kudos to those who find joy in technology.  I appreciate your interest and dedication.  However, I also appreciate my less technical way of life.  And I think that’s OK too.