Seeing people listening to their ipods, talking on the phone or sending text messages to each other like every second has definitely increased since i was in high school. I saw this more in my undergraduate school, because being in new a campus no one wants to feel alone or left out so instead of smiling while walking on campus to each other and try to communicate and make friends, we instead take out our phones and call our family or friend that we already know to keep us entertained until we reach our destination. And that takes away from our social relationships with others and make people feel left out even more, due to 2 reasons, one someone might not be able to afford text messaging or even a phone, and two what if they have a phone but have no one to talk to.
In the Bardzell et al. article, the development team used the ADDIE Model to create a distance learning environment. The part that I found interesting in this article is when they integrated both the technology and face to face interaction between other students and also between instructors. I found that interesting because you can pace yourself and learn anywhere through your computer about this particular class, but at the same time interactions and discussion of the topic is not totally wiped out. And for me as a student i learn better when i read for myself first, figure out what we are learning, and i retain it by talking about it with other students, so for me this is the best way that I learn.
I think all the technologies we see today are great ones, but it depends on how we use them and how they shape our daily lives.
13 comments:
Ms. Cherestina,
Your post highlights the positive aspects of the technology we are increasingly reliant upon.
While I agree with your points on the positive side of technology, I find that there is a darker side; technology works for and against us, kids plugged into their i-pods, i-phones, glued to their computer screens playing video games against other kids they will never meet.
We are loosing touch with each other, as you state in your post, "it depends on how we use techology, and how it shapes our lives."
Your post was well stated, I agree with your pro technology position as an important aspect in our American society today. However, I remain cautious as I see our socialization as a cohort group of Americans slowly drifting apart.
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory M. Chase, PA-C, RN
Kiki,
You mentioned a very good point of people feeling left out because they might not be able to afford the technology and as a consequence not participate in this new socialization.
Being able to own and use these new technologies is definitely a privilege but access to these technologies may also have an indirect, adverse effect on health for people with lower socioeconomic status. It would be interesting to check this out.
Prof. G
Kiki,
I definitely agree with you when you say that "all the technologies we see today are great ones, but it depends on how we use them and how they shape our daily lives." For example, the internet, in my opinon, is the single piece of technology that has impacted us in a way that no other technology has done prior to its invention. And, just like any other technology, we have been forced to deal with "the good, the bad, and the ugly." The good news, though, is that it is up to us to make sure that "the good" outweighs "the ugly."
I totally agree with your perspective on why technology can be used in a positive light. I also
have long distant friends that I keep in touch with and having the internet is very helpful in keeping contact with them.I also like the idea of knowing that I can communicate with them often without having to use a phone.
As you said it is difficult to avoid the negative side of technological advances. We all are guilty of being glued to our technology,and we sometimes forget the importance of social interaction; but in the end it depends on how we choose to balance it in our lives.
Hi, Cherestina, I also agree with Gregory about how ipods, videogames, and intrnet isolate young people. Also ther is a big issue of being unpolite, where everybody is talking on there cell phones wherever and whenever they feel like. I think think the simple etiquette of person to perso relationship has suffered a great deal. However, being a mother of 2 teenagers', I feel that it is the responsibility of the adults to teach children how to use the blessingd of the current age. And I do concoder it as a blessing, since I am able to take this course and interact about 20 of you at a time, plus have my instructor help us even without seeing us. This sums the benefits of the the hard work and the trial nad error process that Bardzel et al experimented and started the distance learning courses like this one.
Adrine Reganian
Adrine,
I agree whole-heartedly about the etiquette of communication being lost in this new digital age.
My nieces and nephew look at me sideways when I request that they send a written letter or email to thank relatives/friends for gifts.
And although I do text and IM I still don't full understand much of the text-speak out there... it slows down my reading and comprehension considerably.
You're right that we as parents, educators and community members need to have a basic knowledge of this new technology but also need to make sure that others know how and when to appropriately use the technology.
Prof G.
I agree with your perspective on technology, as with the improvement in communications and internet it has become so easy to get in touch with people around the world and as an immigrant i have been able to talk to my friends and family regularly.
But technology as you said also has its downside as it affects the childrens outside activities. They are glued to the television and video games and do not get any excercise playing outdoor games.
I agree with all of the previous comments and would just like to add some new points to the discussion. We all refer to this technological phenomenon as a thing that is particular to the American way of life. However, this new gain of technology (and some loss of person-to-person contact) applies to the entire world. Few cultures have truly been able to maintain the same sense of community in this new age of technology as they once maintained just 20 years ago. If you were to speak to our counterparts in Europe, Asia, Africa, etc. they would all have the same qualms about technology changing the face of social interaction.
I agree with you one hundred percent. It is asctually exactually almost exactly what I wrote. My family is all over the worls. Some are in Israel, Australia, or still in Ukraine. This the internet is a great way to keep in touch with them.
Hey Cherestina,
I completely agree with what you said about technology having its positive influence on society. I too feel that the internet has made it easier for people to interact with their close friends and family members. I have family living all over the United States, India, China, and Taiwan. For me, the internet serves as a great mode of communication that allows me to keep in touch with other individuals across the globe. On the whole, I too believe that it is the way people use and manipulate technology that determines the positive or negative outcome it will have on society. As for improving social capital, perhaps it is necessary for every individual to somehow find a balance between using technology and experiencing face-to-face interaction.
Cherestina,
i agree with you in that the internet has enabled us to connect with the rest of the world. however, this connection is a superficial one, because it prevent us from having the face to face interaction. its a great technology, but it handicapped the social capital.
Hi Kiki,
In your discussion you mentioned a very interesting point about the use of cell phones and ipods in school campuses. During my undergrad years I also saw many students walking to their cars that were parked miles away, but seldom did I run into someone who actually took the time to flash a smile. Then again, if they did smile, it would have taken me by surprise. Everyone’s either too busy talking on the phone or listening to their ipods these days. By the way, great job on the posting!
Ireshka.J
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