Sunday, July 20, 2014

Week 5 Documentary Review


This week’s assignment was to watch the following two documentary’s and answer the following questions.  Here are my replies.



 

         1.  Compare and Contrast each documentary.  What was similar or different from the first one Digital Nation filmed in 2010 to Generation Like filmed in 2014 ? 

·         The first video, Digital Nation, gives a good overview of what we are actually doing online.  There is a segment of multitasking, video game playing, how the military is “recruiting” based on use.  The second video Generation Like is a very current representation of the world today.  Today’s company’s have very successfully “trained” society to “like” and follow their business to become the consumer is the marketer.  Society is “craving” being a part of the next big thing. 

2.  Your thoughts on multitasking.  Do you agree?  Can you multitask?  Do you disagree with the video on the topic of multitasking? What do you think our students think about multitasking today?

·         I find that I multitask all the time.  There are not enough hours in the day to solely concentrate on one task at a time.  As far as efficiency, I am quite sure if I slowed down and took my time with one thing at a time I might do them each a little better.  The research that was shown in the Digital Nation video was very telling.  I can see where the level of distractions can help interrupt a thought process and the organization of your memory.  

3.  Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living?   Should we be concerned?

·         There is very much an addiction happening.  Every store, restaurant, has their own wifi connection so that you are literally connected every step you make.  You are moving from one connection to another.  Personally, I wake up in the morning and one of the first things that I do is reach for my phone to check my email, facebook, texts, bank account.  It is very much a part of my daily routine.  If I go for more than a few hours without having access to my phone I do not know what to do.  The students in the video Generation Like, speak about their facebook accounts and how long it takes just to select a profile and cover photo that adequately represent who they are as a person.  That seems like a lot of pressure for two photos.

4.  Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?

·         If video games are used accurately I think they can be academically successful.  Everything in moderation can help to learn.  The students in video, from Korea depicts the way a video game can siphon social interaction and dependency to connect to the games.  The child and mother that have a problem even having a basic meal together because the son is not able to carry a conversation.  “A childhood lost to the computer” I remember being so immersed in a book that I could not put it down to eat, or sleep until it was completed. 

·         The connection in the video Digital Life to the Army about enticing recruits by using the gaming world.  I personally find that shocking, that our military would encourage the real world interaction and virtual reality. Although, they say that “it’s a video game” I wonder if there is a subconscious connection.   The reference of the actual school that is using video games successfully by integrating the engagement utilized by playing into actual learning.

5.  How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?

·         I think the second video has shown me that if you work together your life can change for the better.  I think it’s a great way to look at the possibilities are endless.  You have an opportunity to make a difference in the world just by expressing your own individuality. 

6.  Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care?  Are they focused on too much of what others think?

·         Technology is not going anywhere and honestly I do not think I would want it to.  Sure, there are good and bad associated with it but you can say that about most things.  Being able to have your own car to get from point a to point b is fantastic but if you add drinking and driving things can end catastrophically.  I realize that is a severe comparison but the choices you make on line can be as detrimental to your life long term.  If you chose to share every detail of every moment of you life, you have to realize there are opportunists that are going to misuse that information for their own personal gain.  Just as the film showed the You tube personalities utilizing each other’s fame to grow their own. 

7.  What do you feel are the dangers of technology use?  Are there any?

Sure, there are dangers to using technology but if you utilize the internet responsibly the positive far outweigh the negative.  Teaching children as early as possible that there is a danger and the importance of safety just as you would in a real life interaction.  I tell my children that having your eyes wide open is all you can do. 

I found this video on my facebook feed and thought it was pretty relevant to this discussion.


 
 

2 comments:

  1. This is a nice post. I think you give a good summary of the two videos. Even though there are dangers with online interaction, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages as we are leaving in an age where it essential for children to be exposed to the internet. Therefore, it is good to have a positive message that encourages parents and teachers to see he benefits of teaching their students and children technological skills.

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  2. The video you found is so true. We can use technology so much to make connections and interact, but at the end of the day, it does seem a bit superficial, as we should be making more of our connections face to face. Technology does have benefits, instant connections to thousands of miles away, learning, educational reinforcement, etc. but at the end of the day, it really can't replace physical contact. I like that you say using anything in moderation. That is what it is all about.

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