13 Things to Know About Teens and Technology from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project
Wow! As I read through these slides, I found myself reflecting on my recent experiences with students. I find myself repeating information because they have such short attention spans. I noticed that my students are more familiar with technological terms and with the Internet but they have a harder time waiting for search results or for information to download. Unfortunately, my campus has old computers and students possess very little patience.
Wow! As I read through these slides, I found myself reflecting on my recent experiences with students. I find myself repeating information because they have such short attention spans. I noticed that my students are more familiar with technological terms and with the Internet but they have a harder time waiting for search results or for information to download. Unfortunately, my campus has old computers and students possess very little patience.
At the ACT Enrollment Planners Conference held in Chicago on July 23, 2014 Lee Rainie discussed how teens are using technology, how digital tools are changing teen communication with others, and how they gather information about the world. Rainie used parent and teen survey data gathered by the Pew Research Internet Project and shared that 95% of teens are using the internet while 78% own cell phones. 81% use social networking sites.
One survey of writing teachers revealed that 87% of teachers believe students have shorter attention spans due to technology while 77% of teachers believe that digital tools have had a positive impact on student research skills. So basically most teachers surveyed expressed positive and negative feelings towards the use of digital tools. Most felt that digital tools positively impacted students but led to students expecting to find information quickly due to the extensive use of search engines.
Rainie goes on to share how knowledge has changed and how it is processed. Learners need to be actively engaged in their own learning and creating knowledge. This is already evident in the classroom today. Students learn differently today compared to ten years ago. Students are active participants in their learning. I agree that learning behaviors have changed and it has been mostly due to digital tools and technological advances. Students have access to a wealth of information which at times can be overwhelming and discouraging. At the same time, the benefit and ease outweigh the negative. Overall, I believe that technology and digital tools will have a positive impact on student learning and cognition.
Millennials' Futures
I agree with the 52% who voted in favor of positive outcome due to technological advances among this group. While cons exist, overall the availability of a great variety of tools has improved many areas of our lives and more is yet to come.
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