Tuesday, June 14, 2011

New Summer, New Learning

The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project describes the usage of technology amongst people in different generations. According to the report, I am amongst the generation of Millennials. Millennials are known for owning the most technological devices and for using them to their capacity; using them to enhance (and possibly interfere) almost every aspect of their lives.

I may own 5 out of the 7 featured tech devices (excluding the desktop computer and e-Book reader), but I cannot truthfully say that I am a full-fledged tech savvy Millennial. Though I am Millennial in age, I only come to truly represent the "typical" Millennial in the study through marriage. If it were not for my husband, I would probably not have a smart phone, a game console, or an iPad. It is through my husband that I learn about the latest gadget, the latest app, and the ways that technology can bring ease and fluidity to my life.

Even though I benefit from being married to a tech junky, technology and I have grown up together. From the laboriously slow dial up internet, to the lightening speed at which my cell phone (my cell phone! that device that used to be like a shoebox in my parents car, just in case of emergencies) can load my Facebook page. As the speed at which I can connect has become faster, the more impatient I have become. Though I would not have gotten a smartphone on my own (at least till they became outdated), I have come to expect nothing less. I cannot go back. I use it to not only talk, text message, and email, but also to get directions, recipes, check movie times, find used furniture, fill prescriptions, manage my diabetes, play games, and of course find the answer to every single minute question that comes up in life.

I have found it easy to incorporate some features of my mobile device within my teaching, using it as a visual timer, camera, and video recorder. But it stops there. As much as I would like to consider myself a tech-savvy teacher, using technology to enhance and support my students' learning (as well as my communication with staff/parents and organization), I have not made the complete leap. Since the recent addition of an iPad to the family, I have begun to find reasons to add it to my professional life as well. I am looking forward to learning more about the devices that have become customary within my life, and the ways in which I can use them to provide 21st century learning.

My explorations of the use of technology will be encapsulated here, hoping to gain at least one goal: Rethinking teaching & learning.

2 comments:

  1. I concur Tricia! My husband is the reason for all the Apple products we have and plan on getting. Even though he doesn't have a Facebook or Twitter account, he recently added Linkedin. I, too, am excited about all the possibilities and relate to your entire post ; )

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  2. You're welcome.

    -Sent from my iPad

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