Children vs. Adults: Internet Use

I think it is impossible to compare the two. For example, today my class went to the Norman Police Department for a field trip. The officer took the kids behind the scenes and we ended up in a room full of computers and cubicles. This area was designated for the officers to type up their reports. The officer began explaining to them all of the tools police officers use. She explained to them that now they use computers here, there, everywhere, including their police cars, but she remembered a time when they didn't have computers to use at all. The kids got really quiet. The officer then asked if they remember a time when computers weren't around. They thought she was crazy!! They couldn't wrap their heads around the thought of life without computers! To them it is as normal as T.V. How we can compare the use when children see it as something that is normal and the other generations a luxury item?

Tikatok

I stumbled upon a website called TikaTok! The idea is that children become actual authors! You can go to the website, www.tikatok.com, and children can write a story, their teacher can upload their illustrations, and then order a hardcover, softcover, or digital copy of their book! There are three choices to cater to varied levels of writing ability. One is a memory book. you choose a them such as a holiday or special event and write a story about it. Choice two is called "story spark" where the website gives the kids a topic or story starter idea. Last, is "starting from scratch."After checking out that option I realized it is pretty extensive and wouldn't be an easy assignment. It made me think of the middle school and high school grades!

Children work on improving their writing skills all year. This would be a great last month of school project. They could brainstorm, write a first draft, edit it with a peer, use art lessons to get them ready to illustrate their story, and then go online and let them create their final draft. It is expensive to get the hardcover, but the digital copy is an affordable $2.99! I think that most parents would buy it no matter what it cost! This would also be a great grant writing opportunity for a teacher! I even think the PTA would support the cost of the digital copy at least. What a wonderful display to their parents of how far they have come in a years time in their writing and drawing ability. Please check it out!