Generation IM
I was thoroughly intrigued by this article because I felt it gave a new perspective as how to look at the younger generation and the integration of technology within their everyday lives. Honestly, I always looked at the younger generation of today as a more "couch potato" group of students, those that are willing to play video games for 12 hours straight and consistently be entertained by movies rather than studying or reading. But this article gave another outlook on the students for me, it labeled them as participants in the technology of today, the ones who are creating blogs, websites and actually interacting with the technology not just plain laziness. Through the passion that these young people have for technology they can learn at a greater capacity through their technological knowledge.
One interesting comment that this article presented was the "leveling of the playing field" when comparing students with disabilities to those without. Special needs students who have wanted their whole life to feel "normal" can express themselves through technological scenarios and online interactions.
Technology can easily be added to a Science lesson, whether it is through a YouTube video demonstration, the students can video tape and post videos to a Social Network created by the teacher and ask questions about projects on a classroom forum. The technology that is available and utilized by the children in their home lives must be utilized in the classroom, it sparks their interest because it relates to their lives outside of school.
I too thought it was interesting how technology, and even games can level the playing field for special needs students. It's great how technology can break these students from thier shell, and help them open up and give them confidence. How do you think the "levelling of the playing field" will be carried on into these student's collegete/professional lives?
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