The American Dream

Normally I’m not a big fan of sitting a listening to a guest speaker lecturer on anything, no matter the subject.  But, I really enjoyed Mauricio Garcia’s presentation and he kept my interest the entire time he was on that stage.  Mo really touched base on quite a few things that most of us worry about in a daily situation such as: comfort zones, not being involved in things, mentors, and there are a few more things on the list.  On a normal basis many of us do not end up doing something because it would take us out of our comfort zone; life shouldn’t be lived with the fear of being uncomfortable in front of peers.  Another subject that the speaker sort of got me thinking about was how involved am I with my school? Simply put I am not; I come to my classes and leave. What he taught me though was that being involved opens up a lot of doors to the future. Mentors! The other day in one of my other classes we were all asked who has a mentor or mentors, only three of us raised our hands. So, unlike myself I realized not many people have someone who by my definition are there to assist, tell the truth whether it hurts or not, and support what we have in mind for our futures.  I couldn’t agree with Mauricio more when he was pounding in our heads how much of a positive and helpful difference a mentor can make in a life.  I am so inspired by this man because of how much success he has made from working but it is also something he loves and is passionate about.    

Digital Nation- Technology

Too Much Technology

Spending time at the mall, grocery stores, beaches, restaurants, and many other places people will see teenagers on their phones, ten year olds on their Nintendo DS’, and even the smaller three and four year olds playing with Leap Pads. “At 5, more than 50% regularly interact with a computer or tablet device. . .” (CNN Clinton)  But somewhat of an unusual sight is to see an older adult browsing around on any electronic they own.  Most of the time you’ll hear, “I can’t figure out how to work this new phone, give it to my kid and I’m sure they can work it.” It’s perhaps a very true statement because kids are learning incredibly early how to navigate the internet, a phone, among other things.  While it can be a great thing, adults and schools shouldn’t be primarily focusing on teaching students how to use computers appropriately and should be more active in the classroom and outside.  There’s a possibility their growth and language can become underdeveloped and/or children can be exposed to inappropriate things But, on the other hand, it’s never too early to become electronically connected to the social media world. 

            Why would it bring worry to adults that their children are becoming tech-savvy at such a young age? Maybe because it can cause problems for a child’s growth in conversation, also stunt growth within their personality.  In an article found online, it states “Electronics are not, however, good at teaching children how to think or that they should ask questions, or use creativity. . . These skills are what help young kids learn to love learning itself. . .” (“Thriving” Boston Children’s Hospital staff). No one wants to kill a child’s creativity, especially at an extremely young age. Creativity brings enjoyment to a child and warms a parent’s heart; it brings up questions that we, as older people, would not think of or bring up. The more time a child spends playing online or videos games the less time they will spend interacting with peers, parents, and other adults. 

            How many times does a pop-up blocker work or not work, seems like a very reasonable question.  Adults and older children know not to open up a pop up because it can lead to viruses and spam, but five and six year olds don’t know to do the same. When they are in the middle of playing a game they’ll click anywhere to resume their game which can lead to inappropriate and disturbing content. Research shows that children exposed to violence, any type can cause violent or aggressive behavior. (LIVESTRONG.com) “Viewing video violence has three main effects; these are aggressions, desensitization and fear. In addition, it conveys the impression the world is a mean and dangerous place and that one must act defensively.” –John Murray (Livestrong). Acting defensively can mean bringing a gun into the situation, a child sees one on a video game, commercial, internet video and their parents have one they can access they may connect the two things and bring in their own gun to solve a problem. Content containing inappropriate language causes issues as well, it is apparent that children repeat what they hear. I have a two year old I watch daily and I have to start watching my mouth more and more these days because she will repeat anything and everything. Pop-up blockers, just as everything else have flaws within the program.

Despite that students can possibly have future problems with playing and learning through a computer, its quite evident that this world is becoming much more technologically advanced by the second. Therefore, our elementary students now, need to be introduced and browsing around a computer starting in first or second grade. Educators and school boards argue that, “based on decades of use in schools, on findings of hundreds of research studies, and on the everyday experiences of educators, students, and their families - that, properly used, technology can enhance the achievement of all students, increase families’ involvement in their children’s schooling, improve teachers’ skills and knowledge, and improve school administration and management." (Technology’s Impact on Learning) There are math, reading, and literacy programs that can be accessed from a computer which are great for students but that shouldn’t be the main source they are learning from.  A teacher standing up at the board writing step by step instructions of a math problem, where the student can copy down the problem and refer back to it or rewrite it a few times helps a student get a better grasp on how to do work it out.  I am more of a kinesthetic learner, which by definition is a way of learning that takes place by the student actually carrying out a physical activity; after doing some research, it seems as many others are kinesthetic learners.  From an article I came across, “most of the school population excels through kinesthetic means: touching, feeling, experiencing the material at hand.” This changes throughout the year of school as most females become auditory learners later on in school but, “many adults, especially males, maintain kinesthetic and tactual strengths throughout their lives.”(Teaching Secondary Students through Their Individual Learning Styles, Rita Stafford)

            Technology can offer only so much but teachers, they can expand on a subject which can lead to other closely knit subjects. Technology is a fine way of teaching but it should never take over a student’s entire education. For example instead of a child staring at a computer screen with headphones in, listening to a monotone voice shouldn’t replace a teacher sitting on the classroom carpet telling a story from a book. Technology can stunt a child’s growth in development, bad habits and inappropriate behavior can be influenced, and unfortunately it is becoming a most in our society for children to understand the technology. 

Journal 3- Social Media

After watching Digital Nation, there are a few different ways I am considering going with my paper about social media.  I can think up both positive and negative arguments for our nation’s use of social media.  It all depends on what the person is using social media for.  The video ranged from second graders learning how to use computers, to teenager’s addictions to video games, to the violence of video games with the military.  I was sort of astonished by some of the facts I heard about the addiction to video games. I know that people become addicted to the games but not that they will sit a whole entire day or even for more than twenty-four hours in front of a screen playing these games; I wouldn’t be able to play that long.  I also believe that the gaming places they showed in Japan should not allow the gamers to stay for that long or more than a couple hours.  A positive that I kind of saw from the video was the military playing the violet video games; it is more of a hands on experience for the people that are looking into joining or are already part of the military. Violent games can help you prepare better for what a person might see or experience while they are deployed better than listening to someone else’s experiences.  I will more than likely discuss in my essay, the subject of young children at schools learning how to use computers because I can argue from both a negative view and positive few of this subject. I have many opinions on this subject I can’t wait to expand on.

Journal 2- More Than One View on Reality TV

     Being a teenager I have two different feelings towards reality television, both positive and negative views on the subject.  Reality television is very entertaining but on the other hand it is a waste of time, portraying the people on the show as idiotic.  Jersey Shore for example, most teenagers loved the show, got excited for “Jerzday”, and even used the famous phrases that were started on the show.  Needless to say it brought a lot of excitement but really there was no significance to the show, they partied all the time and got into fights.  The show, The Biggest Loser shines some positive light on reality television; a goal is being worked towards from the people that are on the show, instead of just messing around and doing things just to get on TV. And then there is the aspect of respect.  I know a good amount of people that will disagree with me on this but because of the show Teen Mom I do have some respect for the mothers and fathers that are 17, 18 and actually try to give their child a good life whether it be adoption or “stepping up to the plate”.   Maci from the show is a wonderful mother to her son and it’s not just on screen I’m sure and Catelynn chose the best life for her child that was born but still checks on her and the adoptive parents.  Reality television just engages people and gives them something to feed off of.  It allows us to delve into others’ drama-filled lives and it having absolutely nothing to do with your own life. In my opinion people, or maybe just teenagers feed off of drama and enjoy it a tad bit too much as long as they aren’t involved.  Every reality show gives me a different outlook on reality television, with that being said I have more than one or even two feelings toward these types of shows.