Frontline video: Growing up online

• How does this video impact your thinking about technology's role in the lives of young learners?
• What will you do differently as a future teacher as a direct result of this new thinking

This film really helped me to see the parents perspective and the dangers of the internet. Being in the age of the group this film was talking about I related a lot to the students being interviewed. I understood their frustrations with their parents actions and why they were doing what they were doing. Although, I now have a better insight as to why the internet is so frustrating for parents. Even though most teens are smart enough to not make poor decisions on the internet, it is hard to know when you are a parent because of how secretive kids are. For example, kids don't want their parents reading their private conversations over their shoulders, but perhaps these conversations could be potentially harmful for the child. "Growing up Online" also showed how it becomes difficult for teachers too because the internet is such an easy place to get information from. That means if you are teaching a reading assignment, the child no longer actually has to read because they can just go to spark notes to get the basic understanding of the book. I like the idea they had of having them write their papers in class, so that they don't have outside sources to take information from. Although, technology is not all bad, so allowing them opportunities when they ca use computers in the classroom is necessary. The situation is trying to find the proper occasion to do that.


I have a few ideas of what I will do once I am a teacher in this technology age. Although, not having the opportunity to be in the classroom I am not sure how well it will work. Like I mentioned earlier, I like the idea of having in class writing assignments so they can't use the aid of the computer, but rather only their books. Also, I want to encourage use of the computer too, especially since it will be used in any future career. Doing games, like math games for younger students, will help them how to use the computer without giving them too much freedom. I also liked the idea of a safety class in computer networking. Considering how young students are when they start using a computer, they will be getting into potentially sticky situations earlier with computer predators. By teaching them how to block, or what is inappropriate conversation to have, you can help the student make safe decisions. These classes could help lead students in the right direction when it comes to computers.