Web 2.0

Web 2.0.... The next chapter in advancement and technology. I think I have mixed feelings. I look at kids today, and its a whole different world. Gen X as they fondly called, are perhaps a different group altogether, more inclined towards the future as well as the present, rather than the past as well. As is often said when reminiscing about the past, things were perhaps easier, time were simpler. When I was growing up, being sent to our rooms was in fact a measure of discipline. Today, kids look forward to being locked up in their respective rooms, as they are still wired to the outside world, equipped with all sorts of gadgets. In HS, when I had to write an actual paper, there was no luxury of simply heading to your laptop at all odd hours of the night. Nope. We had to either beg mom in return for some chores, or hope a friend passed their driving license to get a ride to the library. That was just the first stage. Then we had to remember all those notes of the Dewey decimal system to look up the book that seemed appropriate based on the one paragraph intro of the book. After that, finally finding the book, we had to quickly skim through the pages to see if it was what was we were actually looking for. Otherwise, continue with that process. And that was just stage one. Putting aside all the drafts and all, which mind you, was hand written, as again, we didnt have the luxury or convenience of technology back in the day. And knock wood, I am really not old... We then had to drag out our trusty typewriter with the whiteout beside it, and go at it. Tap, tap, tap... Hoping we didnt miss anything from the draft, otherwise, in many cases, that would be either starting all over or being creative...

But today, its a whole different world. And even though its been around for at least one generation or so, it ceases to amaze me. Kids really do have easy to an extent, which is arguable. As there is more problems, stress, tensions and issues not only in their own lives but in the world at large. Now discussions sadly also deal to a large extent with hate, terrorism, intolerance and confusion. Kids dont play in the backyards or wander through the woods unprotected. Those days are long gone.

However, todays kids are much more connected, tech-savy, well-versed for the most part and have a better grip. For them to write a paper, simply means going to their rooms, and with a few clicks of the keyboard, having the worlds experts literally at their fingertips.

And now, its Web 2.0...

Yesterday, either it didnt exist or was an expensive option to have a laptop for college. Today, its part of the costs involved. Yesterday, we had physical textbooks to refer to. Today, you have some of the greatest books right there in your laptop without the excess weight.

But when all of this started, there was very minimum study done on the effects, pros and cons of tech. While some Profs for instance, swear by it, and integrate it in their classrooms, others have labeled it as a trouble maker and an interference. Some have gone to the extent of banning it completely from their classrooms.

Take a look at this recent article from the Wash Post --- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/08/AR2010030804915.html

Another older article can also be found at --- http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2008/10/why-i-ban-laptops-in-my-classroom/

An interesting perspective and conundrum. Without any doubt, there are a lot of pros and benefits to the technology that we are wrapped up with. It is such a great tool, to say the least, to assist us with teaching. But alas, as with anything else, there are also cons and areas that have given it a bad rep.

I am not sure what the answer is. However, its up to each individual teacher to not only incorporate tech seamlessly in their classroom, knowing how much to utilize and when to hold back. When to go the 'traditional route' and when to go at it 'new age'.

Todays kids are no doubt an interesting bunch of group. A different learning style, a new approach, a different perspective. Unlike the others before them, they have literally grown up submerged in the world of tech. So its no wonder, their minds work differently, and they view things differently and also go about things differently. Another recent article --- http://abcnews.go.com/WN/kids-electronics-study-shows-kids-spend-hours-day/story?id=9616699 -- states that kids today spent more than 75 hours -- yes 75 -- of media time. And that dosnt even include the cell phones!

So if this is a major media for them, its not as simple or even wise to just let go.... As it may be just the avenue needed to reach out to them, and provide the proper education they all deserve and need....

Thanks...