Technology Tip Number 65
Feeling Old Yet?

Have you ever considered the number of "new" technologies that have become obsolete during your lifetime.  Have you ever considered how much differently you might see the world if you had never come into contact with items like vinyl records of rotary phones.  Let me introduce you to a hypothetical 8th grade student and tell you a few things about the world as he or she might perceive it.  You might want to brace yourself for this:

• They were probably born in this century (year 2000+) and are about 13 years old.

• Google was founded before they were born.

• The First Gulf War happened before they were born as did the Cold War and as far as they know, there has always been a large US military presence in the Middle East.

• They have only really known two US Presidents. 

• There has always been an internet.

• There have always been CD's and DVD's

• Cassette tapes are just as obsolete as vinyl records and they probably have no idea what an 8 track tape is.

• Answering machines, cordless phones and cell phones have always been around.

• Cars have always had airbags and car seats for babies and children have always been required.

• The Cosby Show had its last season long before they were born.

• TV's have always been in full color and they have always had remote controls.

• There have always been digital cameras with display screens on the back.

• The first Nintendo Games Boys are older than they are.

• The first portable MP3 players came out before they were in school and the first iPhone was released when they were learning how to read.

• They weren't in school when the Columbine school shooting happened.

• The original Star Wars movie was released over 2 decades BEFORE they were born.

• Stamps have never been cheaper than 32 cents.

• In their lifetime there was never a Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or Apartheid in South Africa but there has always been a European Union.  

• Most have never even seen a rotary dial phone.

• Women have always outnumbered men on American college campuses.

Keep in mind that this is just a partial list.  Consider how differently these kids might perceive the world with all the new technologies they are experiencing.  Consider the effects of MP3 players, hybrid cars, cell phones with cameras, and the internet.  Any one of these technologies can drastically change how you understand and view the world.  All music seems to be free online, new technology can solve any energy crisis and all pictures can be displayed instantly.  Immediate communication is almost always available.  And just about any question you can think up can be answered quickly online.  This doesn't necessarily mean the physical or psychological needs of human development have changed.  But this might mean that educators are challenged like never before to make their curriculum relevant to their students.  Something to think about.

If you'd like to read more on this topic consider the following websites:

Beloit College releases an annual "Mindsets List" to help their faculty better understand incoming freshman.  Here is a link to their most recent lists: http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/

Often times as adults we forget about the physical toll the use of technology takes on children.  This article from cnet.com looks at this issue in depth: http://news.com.com/Is+tech+injuring+children/2009-1041_3-6073730.html

Featured YouTube Video:
Understanding the Digital Generation - Ian Jukes

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Check out one of the links above for more information about how technology is changing our kids.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  If you'd like to read more on this topic try searching the internet for:

Digital generation gap
Children and technology
Effects of technology on kids
Benefits of technology integration

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