While reading chapter 8 of our book, I began to think about our students at Roan. Many of them already act as language brokers for their parents. They translate anything from notes from teachers to legal documents, in addition to translating day to day conversations. I began to think about how technology will impact the family dynamics even more. Not only do most of our students know English, but they are also familiar with this new world of technology. Many of their parents will never have an e-mail account or know how to navigate the world wide web. Tapscott states that "the old hierarchy has given way to a new kind of family democracy, in which Net Geners have a voice in family affairs" (p. 224). What are your thoughts on this? What are the implications for our students?
~Sanjuana
At times it worries me how much my students know about the internet. It is so so easy to be taken to the wrong place by typing something in incorrectly. I have had 2nd graders tell me they have a myspace page, or ask me if they can get on youtube. I explain to them how those things are inappropriate for people their age.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand when used properly technology can be a great resource. I am excited to show my students new ways of communicating using the internet. I like to see the excitment and interest it brings to them. I just worry that about it being used in a safe way.
As far as the language broker aspect of it, it's good that students can help their families. Sometimes I feel that kids have too much of a voice on important decisions that are made that impact the student. I'm not saying children shouldn't be able to voice opinions, I'm saying students should not get the final say on decisions being made.
Regardless of whether or not the parents have an email account, the availability of technology creates an enormous barrier to staying abreast of your child's life! One of the greatest benefeits of being a "carpool mom" has been the ability to overhear conversations from the backseat. That is no longer the case. When middle school (and probably older and younger) children have access to texting, the verbal communication slams to a halt. If there is something they do not want overheard, they simply carry on conversations via texting even if they are sitting beside one another! I'm afraid that while technology opens many doors, it will close many in family communication. Parents must work extra hard to take an interest in what is happening in their children's lives. That concerns me, both as a parent, and as an educator.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brooke. My four year old son already knows how to navigate a computer and one day I heard my husband say, "Elijah, that site is for grown-ups." It does concern me as far as family dynamics goes. I have major concerns for my own children that communication about what is going on at school and in their lives will be reduced to what they post on the computer instead of talking to me or my husband about it. As an educator this concerns me about my students as well. I am glad they have the technology to learn and grow but I have concerns that the teacher's role will become less important in their lives as technology becomes more important.
ReplyDeleteI understand Brooke and Amanda's posts, but as a parent of children in college, I really appreciate my children's knowledge when it comes to technology. When I was working on my Doctorate, many times I had to call my daughter and ask her how to complete a task in a program. They have also taught me how to operate my iPod touch, phone, etc. Neither Britney nor Aaron has ever been afraid to "try" things on the computer. I, on the other hand, am much more cautious. I think the reason is because I did not grow up with computers, but they have always had them at school and at home. I am very appreciative of their knowledge of technology.
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