Journal Post #2 K-12 Technology: Benefits & Drawbacks

      

 

Photo Credit to Alec Couros on Flickr

     K-12 Technology is an article written by Matthew Lynch discussing technology's current benefits and drawbacks. Mr. Lynch opens with an MLK quote discussing change and the effort required to achieve it. He then goes on to state that he is indeed in favor of technological advancement but fears the “indirect effects of technology on the comprehension habits of our youngest learners.” This was the first point I truly agreed with. Mr. Lynch discusses how helpful technology can be in terms of acquiring information but at what point do we draw the line? He mentions that “98% of children have access to a TV while 72% have access to a computer.” At what point do we decide that Skype is better than a face to face conversation? What happens when we lose whatever sense of socialization we have left?

      Mr. Lynch then discusses instant gratification. Most children have mini computers in their pockets and become used to the idea of a “quick fix” as Mr. Lynch puts it. I 100% agree with his comment on children not understanding waiting for answers. Professor Coleman made a point last class about keeping students interested by integrating the technology they've grown to know and love. I think using apps like “Socrative” could genuinely help with this. Don't try to change methods students have grown accustomed to, but instead incorporate them into lesson plans and assignments in order to avoid that gap between your methods and theirs.

 Photo Credit to Sonja Stark on Flickr

      I think there's one strong technological drawback that wasn't discussed, and that's mental illness. I think mental issues are swept under the rug much too often, and that technology plays a huge role with mental illness in K-12 students. I found an article discussing the impact technology has on mental health that I wanted to share with you all. It discusses a recent study conducted on internet usage and lack thereof. 

     “When many of these participants stepped away from the World Wide Web, they had a lot of difficulty and exhibited signs similar to those of someone going through withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. It was clearly more difficult for the younger participants to step away. Fifty-three percent reported they were upset when they could not use the Internet and another 40% said that they were lonely when they could no longer interact with their friends online. In fact, many could not (or were not totally willing to) give up the Internet completely, even for just 24 hours.” Wow! The article then goes on to discuss the effects of these internet addictions. “Internet users are losing touch with the traditional ways that many of the previous generations enjoyed just being kids. Going outside, playing with friends or reading a book are far less common than they once were. We are raising youngsters that will succeed in the Internet driven world, but will they be able to interact with each other when they aren’t doing so over a computer screen?” The author ends her post saying “we need to have a better balance between face-to-face communications and online ones.” Without actual socialization, I fear the presence of mental illness will skyrocket.

      Overall I was very impressed with Mr. Lynch's article and even more-so by the article written by Emily Murray. I think both authors made strong points on the effects of technology. I especially enjoyed Mr. Lynch's point on instant gratification and students that don't understand waiting; though I disagreed with his point on reading for pleasure. I was surprised he didn't mention more pressing issues, such as mental health. I think that's a huge subject to consider when discussing the K-12 age group. After reading the statistics he posted regarding children and their access to technology, all I could think about was how much earlier they'd find themselves involved with cyber-bullying and internet addiction. While technology does and will continue to benefit educators in the classroom, there are some serious issues to be considered. 

Article Credit:
Matthew Lynch's Article

Emily Murray's Article