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The Edutopia Poll
by Laila Weir
Ever since the dawn of email and the early days of the Internet (remember chat rooms?), technology has enabled communication. Sure, there's a lot else kids do with their tech toys and tools, from playing games to creating art. But these days, the most popular devices -- computers, cell phones and even Internet-enabled music players like the iPod touch -- are commonly used for connecting with other people. Students can call, text, and email friends, chat with them online, or message them through a social network; their avatars can even chat with other avatars in an online virtual world. All this technological communication can be interpreted different ways: Students are not connecting personally, or they're participating in a groundbreaking extended social environment. Growing up with so many ways to socialize, are students helped, or hampered, in developing interpersonal skills? We want to know what you think.
Helps, but...
The important thing here is the wording of the responses. Technology certainly offers more ways for children (and adults) to connect; I don't hope that this will replace face-to-face interaction, but rather that it will enrich and expand the scope of possible interactions. As educators, denying anyone the opportunity to expand their social interactions is dangerous in a world which increasingly requires people to get involved in those very contexts if they want to find success.
Technology & Communication
People think kids and some adults are spending too much time texting and on social networking sites. I say what is wrong with communication, building relationships, connecting with people all over the world?
When people communicate they are making connections they are not isolating themselves.
Parents don't like how much time their kids text other kids. Well, their parents did not like the amount of time they used to spend talking on the phone. What is the difference? I do not see the difference.
If teachers would use these technologies in the classroom and require students to write in complete sentences, use proper grammar, and correct spelling wouldn't it be a powerful medium?
If people want more face-to-face then iChat! The world is not going to be lived online, this is just away to expand ones communication circle.
Technology and Social Skills
I think texting is a tool that is nearly everywhere in a student's world. I don't think that it will greatly increase their socialization or diminish their face-to-face socialization. It is another tier of socialization, enhancing the already existing social skills they have. Some of us who are older think that texting is extraordinary not having it when we were teens, but these teens are immersed in texting. I agree that manging teens use of texting will be easier if we join their world and ask them to text as a method of communicating their learning.
It could help. It could hurt. The kids who are comfortable with meeting and engaging with others will always have an advantage socially over the kids who are not confident when it comes meeting people.
Technology & Communication
I agree that there are good and bad things about new technology
Technology can help kid to socialize with others. However, it shouldn't be the only method of socialization. There should be a balance of technology and face to face communication with people.
Technology for social skill development
I voted yes to the poll question. I am in agreement, technology is a valuable tool.
The survey said: 54% (93)
It helps. Technology gives young people more ways to connect with others, which can only help them develop strong social skills.
Inspite of the many pros and cons to "addicitive" technology use by teenagers, it is the current trend of society. All students must be prepared for the future and global careers. Technology has made the world a smaller place in many aspects. Time and technology do not stand still; it is best to use ones' time wisely. This is an exciting time in education and human advances on all fronts (education, business, humanity, and the history of mankind).
Shirley, IL.
I think it really does help, provided that the right checks are in place. It would be a sad day indeed when sites like this offer education for free. Especially, as promo codes are so cheap these days, it begs the question, why arent we teaching our kids about this stuff?