Weekly Reading #6

1. What surprised you, concerned you, or intrigued about students' access to technology in their homes?

I was intrigued by the the discussion of "reflexive parenting" (pg 152).   As a teacher and parent, I can see the shift in the nature of parenting that Alters is discussing.  Alters argues that over the past forty to fifty years parents have become uneasy about raising their children in a time with increased drug use, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and suicide rates of our adolescents.  Other factors indicate that single parent homes and women's lib also have played a role.  Parenting in the 21st Century is difficult with everything that's out there, and now with all of the technology offered, access is often unlimited.  To me, it often seems as though some parents are more interested in being their child's friend rather that their parent and/or disciplinarian. 

2. What kinds of household spaces related to technology, or rules about using technology, were similar or dissimilar to your own household environment?  When my older son was first born (1992) my husband and I had one computer in the house.  We kept it in my husband's den because he used it primarily for grad school.  As Dylan became curious about it, we limited his access and we sat with him anytime he wanted to explore, and exploring for him consisted of Living Books (they were awesome), Magic School bus software, and using the "Paint" program.  His time was also limited because we wanted him to learn to use his time wisely as he grew.  We were very strict when it came to his time on the computer.

3. Could this chapter be helpful for teachers who seek to integrate technology into their classroom activities in more meaningful ways? Give an example from the chapter.  I personally do think that technology has its place in the classroom and integrating technology is getting easier the more I am educated.  This chapter discussed a lot about parents anxieties and cautions about giving their children free range when it comes to technology.  Studies also found that "kids play an important role as the technology expert or broker in the family, translating websites and other forms of information for their parents" (pg 167).  It would be great if there was a way to educate the parents.  In a perfect world, I would love to offer parent/student workshops to educate on different aspects of technology (IPODS, IPADS,computers, whiteboards, etc.).  It would be great to let them see just what their children can do and how it fits in to school and their education.