Journal 3: Keeping Peaces

Levinson, M. (2009-2010). Keeping the peace . L&L, 37(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=February_No_5_4&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4495&ContentID=25237&DirectListComboInd=D

Levinson’s article touched on a story that is being faced by many schools across the nation. How much technology is too much? And who should be the one to decide? The parents? students? teachers? In this school, the campus became divided after starting a new laptop program. The students began to over use the instant messaging software and video chat. Many of the teachers feared the students were not getting enough work done, and many parents felt that the only use for the technology was for learning, not socializing. Though there were a number of differing opinions on both sides, one thing was apparent; they had to develop better ways to make all of the parties happy. After doing the test run of the program, and hearing from all sides, Levinson’s school was able to come up with a collaborative way to set appropriate boundaries and trainings for the students, so that they could make better use of their time, all while being able to socialize.

Q #1:Should students be told how much they can use technology?

I don’t think students should be told how much to use, but better yet HOW to use the technology effectively. The social networking phenomenon is not going away anytime soon and it very presence can provide an unlimited amount of learning opportunities. The goal of the teachers would have to be for them to find ways to get the students to know how to use their time effectively, and creatively.

Q#2: How does this “policing” translate into college years where there is little to no policing of social networking at school?

I know for myself, and all the other college students out here know a great deal about social networking sites such as MySpace, and Facebook and even IM. And for most of us, we didn’t learn about it from teachers at school. I think that is one of the main reasons it’s often hard for us to find that fine line between business and pleasure. In order for students of tomorrow to be successful and responsible technology users they must learn a more holistic approach to what their technology can do for them academically, professionally, and socially. If we don’t, I believe students will go even further in regards to misusing technology and information.