Generation M²: Media in the Lives of 8-to-18 Year Olds looks at the significant increase in media use among preteens and teenagers. Due to the advances in technologies children are using various media outlets at younger ages than before. The ownership of iPod/MP3 players and cell phones shows the highest increase over the last five years. The study identifies a drop in the amount of time spent reading various prints due to these media outlets. Furthermore, the study identifies a correlation between the amount of media usage and lower grades.
As educators we face various challenges and opportunities with the increase of technology use among children. I found that lower grades and levels of personal contentment to be the most concerning in regard to the media usage. I think that it is important for parents and teachers to limit the amount of media and facilitate meaningful uses. There is no question that technology is all around children and they will use it but there needs to be a balance between technology and other developmentally appropriate activities for children. For instance, teachers should promote reading at school and home while parents can have the TV off at home in the evenings. Teachers should also encourage students to read from various types of print not only the internet. Teachers can also provide projects and assignments that use technology in meaningful ways.
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Reading your post made me think of the need to help students develop a sense of responsible media use. Just as young children are taught how to safely cross the street and the importance of a balanced diet, children perhaps need to also be taught how to consume media in a safe and balanced way. The NETS-S standards include a standard for "digital citizenship", including awareness of "cybersafety", but I don't think it extends to media consumption. And it probably should.
ReplyDeletejd