Reflection: Reading #3
Within A Teacher’s Place in the Digital Divide I found the comparison between the gender gap interesting and applicable. I noticed that as boys and girls mature the gender gap in computer use is still prevalent. Similar to characteristics mentioned in the article, many women devote most of their computer time to social endeavors, exploring forms of artistic expression, and seeking out advice in relation to personal interests such as cooking or fashion. At the college level I’ve noticed that girls tend to spend time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, fashion blogs, Skype, and online shopping sites. Girls tend to use computers as an avenue to enhance their lifestyle and well being while boys use computers more for interactive gaming and researching the latest products. I’ve noticed that as boys mature there are more similarities in the time they devote to computer use but some differences still remain. Similarities include using the same social networking sites and spending time exploring hobbies such as online sports sites and online sites for the latest products in technology such as Apple. Interactive gaming boys still engage in includes fantasy football, online poker, as well as the component of video game systems that include the option for online activity such as Call of Duty, NHL, and FIFA. How did you spend your time on the computer as a child and teenager? What do you devote your computer time to now?
Technology through incorporation of word is definitely an effective way to support learners who are in transitional stages (151-152). There are countless videos available online that can provide students with so much insight and increased understanding of a topic due to the level and engagement available. Videos allow children to connect to real world content and develop their own interpretations for an assignment if they are not advanced readers yet. Furthermore, integration of intriguing videos within course content helps children develop motivation and excitement for course material. Furthermore, I was impressed by the strides made by students in Project Fresa and the educational opportunities they took advantage. I found connections made through email interaction with children in coffee growing areas in Puerto Rico and students Mar Vista Elementary students to be the most interesting. What was your favorite aspect of Project Fresa?

Reflection: Reading #2
Within the paper Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21ST Century social media and other online avenues for personal expression are examined within the context of students and education. Online spaces such as blogs and gaming are so successful because they do not limit students’ ideas. Students are able to receive feedback on their work and think creatively. Within the online world students can interact with peers and professionals both nationally and internationally on topics they address in their work. This environment fosters relationships between students and experts in related fields. Social media forms such as Facebook and Twitter are great starting points to get feedback on idea or future product. Blogs are helpful because they are open to the public and easily accessible through Google or other search engines regarding a specific topic. In another course I am enrolled in we posted information on a blog about different childrens’ authors and one author actually commented on a student’s presentation. The opportunity to connect through blogs and other spaces online provides students with contacts and insight they could never experience without the help of technology or in a traditional classroom. Do you read a blog weekly or daily? Have you ever found anything helpful or interesting on a blog either for school or pleasure?

I found it extremely exciting that some cities such as: Cambridge, Boston, and Philadelphia hope to offer residents high-speed wireless Internet without a fee. Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21ST Century raised my awareness of the severe disadvantage students without Internet at home would face (13). I never considered how access to the Internet at home can shape a students’ behavior in the classroom and attitude towards technology. If your parents were never familiar with using the Internet within the home then students most likely had little to no experience with technology at home as well. Lack of Internet would hinder students throughout their childhood as various information within social and school activities is updated online. If parents ever wanted to sign up their child for a sport or seek out additional help when assisting their child with their homework it would be much more challenging to get in contact with those in charge and to seek out helpful resources. What do you think some of the disadvantages are if students are without Internet access at home?