Education Revolution

I was struck by the phrase, “instant gratification learning,” for a multitude of reasons. As I mentioned in by blog post last week, I believe that we live in a culture of now. We thrive off of immediacy. The Principle in the film, Digital Nation, mentioned that the shift in education was due to the switch in cultural values. In his defenses, so far, the change has worked. The schools reading and math scores have improved along with attendance. Also, violence is down. The question that I pose is will kids eventually get bored with this too?

I wonder if or what will happen when the idea of a personal computer in class becomes normalized or falls in line with the everyday methods of education. Will kids eventually lose interest in them to or is a new frontier of education emerging? I believe that it is the latter.

Since technology has taken a huge grip on society in order to probe the minds of the newest generation, education styles and methods will have to change to engage students. Classrooms have become creative and I believe it is safe to say that this is not a trend but a fact.

It literally blew my mind when the boy, who could not have been older then 10, was blogging. This is the first blog I have ever written and I am 22. The younger generations are not only well versed in technology but possibly better then our generation.

In my Information Society class, my professor brought in a one of the one laptop per child laptop. As we discussed in class, it was created for young children to use. They can figure out how to work it and open it within a matter of seconds. My professor passed around the laptop with a smirk on his face and asked us to simply “open it.” The laptop was passed from student to student each unable to open it. Finally, when it reached the 8^th student he figured it out. Observing this it made me realize that the younger generations are not only better versed in technology but able to adapt to technology much better then most of my peers. With the education revolution underway, it will be interesting to see how those who grew up fluent with technology will be at our age.

Now, Now, Now!

We live in a culture of now. Our cell phones have become extensions of ourselves acting as our lifelines between friends and family, we rely on instant coffee to get us through the day, and obsessively check our e-mail ensuring that we are on top of our game.

As discussed in Digital Nation, a vacation no longer means you are out of contact with your life at home. Now, you are simply in an arguably more luxurious location with your laptop and Smartphone at your fingertips. You are still able, many times expected, to answer e-mails, calls, and perhaps attend a meeting via Skype. So, what is vacation now? The chance to answer e-mails on the slopes of Telluride or perhaps take a phone call on the beaches of St. Barts? The concept of turning off your phone or not answering e-mail for a week is unheard of. Our coworkers and friends expect us to respond immediately to texts, bbm’s, and e-mails. We are forced as well as encouraged to multitask efficiently.

After watching the clip if Digital Nation in class the issue of multitasking resonated with me. Now more than ever a strong emphasis has been placed on the ability to complete multiple tasks in timely manner. Job postings often cite the ability to efficiently multitask to be a “must have.” Regardless of studies that have proved that multitasking may not be the most effective means of business it still holds court in local and global business. Often linking the talent to the ‘new generation.’ We have grown up with the concept of instant gratification and immediacy. However, as technology advances have we lost personalized means of communication? During the film, one boy mentioned that it is a new social code has developed among our generation. It is now acceptable to text, email, etc while at dinner or hanging out amongst friends. Although I am not sure that I agree that it is a “social code” per say, it is prominent among younger generations. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked through the Pryzbyla Center and noticed groups of friends sitting around tables not talking, but texting. Perhaps, as technology changes the way we communicate with each other changes as well.

The Change We Need

The idea of bestowing computers to children who cannot afford them or where they are not readily accessible is a fantastic and noble idea. It is something that would bridge the digital divided and expand the knowledge of all those who benefit. Not only would they have access to the Internet and the information that it holds they would have access to items that they may never come in contact with. For instance the TamTam, “lets a child use the machine to generate music and drumbeats,” by using the mesh networks they can create a symphony by choosing other instruments to compliment their own. Student may become exposed to music that they have never come in contact with or otherwise heard. They have to work to create a symphony they have to have a basic knowledge of computers. They may learn that they like working with computers or that technology interest them,

A simple computer can allow a child to develop their talents and expand their horizon, possibly teaching them a skill and keeping them out of trouble. Call me a dreamer, but perhaps theses computers will inspire users to strive for more. They will have the ability to discover new entities that their parents and grandparent may not have been lucky enough to know.

By giving a child a computer it not only teaches them new trades and information but it instills a sense of pride, it is their computer. They can take care of it, learn from it, and learn a skill. The knowledge of a computer is an irreplaceable skill that will enrich the users current life and possibly lead to a trained profession or a means to an end. With that knowledge, users could obtain a secure job and possibly hoist their family out of poverty.

Anything that enriches the lives of children should be looked into and explored. Even if it only touches a few children, it is well worth it. The computers are basically indestructible and are something that should last the test of time, both literally and physically. The idea of education and teaching children to use the computer still comes into the picture but slowly but surely we are changing the way the world looks at technology.

Can a bridge really be fostered?

With technological advances being revealed almost everyday it’s hard for many people to keep up, let alone those who do not have access to technology at all. I feel confident in assessing that the Sudanese are not comparing Apple’s iPad to Microsoft’s Tablet and they are certainly not concerned if their Kindle is even relevant in today’s day and age. Although programs have been implemented to bridge the digital divide, I can’t help but wonder if it is even possible to begin to fix this problem.

There are over 6 billion people in the world; some of them are lucky enough to have means to technology while others are simply left in the dust. If we were to give every person a computer that still would not fix the vast divide. What need to be focused on is education as well as the desire to learn. For instance, one Christmas my uncle bought my grandmother a laptop; she politely smiled as he set it up and she has not touched it once. She does not have any interest in it, claiming it is for a younger generation and she does not know how to use it. She declines lessons and does not see the advantages of reading the newspaper online when she can have a physical copy in her hand. Perhaps this point is moot because she is not willing to learn, and frankly has no desire. My point being however, there will always be those who are not interested in technology. That does not mean however that they should not be exposed to it. I am sure if my grandmother knew how to work a computer, say like I know how, she would feel differently about her laptop, which is now simply and other thing for her to dust.

Education is the most important issue regarding the divide, if people don’t know how to use the computer they will simply get frustrated and give up. The issue is also the ever changing technology and time. It takes time to learn new programs and to adjust to the quirks. Even if people in third world countries have access to computers they may not have access to the newest and most useful forms software or programs. Although that is not a central point in the digital divide, it is still interesting to look at. It is a classic example of the have’s and the have not’s. Those who can afford the time and the monetary cost are clearly given and advantage. Many people simply just do not have the time to sit and figure out the in’s and out’s of a computer putting them at a disadvantage. While it is unlikely that the whole world will ever be on the same page financially it seems to me there will always be a divide in technology.