Friday, March 25, 2011
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?
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I commented on Ms. Hyland's Blog about the fact that younger generations may have a different world view from their parents or grandparents. This is not something that can be easily quantified, if at all. Even if we could, the way Dvorak interpreted the graph in the article is completely off-base. The graph had nothing to do with people's internal beliefs, values, or memories; it simply showed that younger generations use social networking sites more.
ReplyDeleteYour point about kids not realizing that computers haven't always existed or been such a paramount piece of our culture is well made. Its crazy how much changes in the world of technology over just a few short years. I had this similar thought when I forgot my cell phone the other day. I felt so out of touch and naked. But I can remember back in high school when I had a cell phone for "emergencies only!" with only 100 minutes a month. That is insane!
ReplyDeleteEmily, that is a good point. The graph Dvorak is using isn't a representation of people's beliefs or values when it comes to computer usage.