Crystina Riffel
JUS494
November 9, 2008
This past Thursday in class we discussed the inequalities of technology in regards to students and education in the classroom. We explored the four generations and how they are different from each other. The “Silent Generation”, from about 1925 to 1942, having characteristics described as grave, fatalistic, expecting disappointment. The “Baby Boomer Generation”, 1943-1960, was in the era of the civil rights movement, feminism and had visions of lifelong prosperity. “Generation X”, 1961-1981, was described as being economically conservative. Lastly, “Generation Y”, 1982-2001, is generally more liberal, hyper-structured, overscheduled and technology plays a big role in their lives (computer age).
Today, student’s lives are deeply embedded into technology. Computers, iPods, cell phones, internet, videos, etc. are used everyday. It would be hard to get away from any of these technologies. Today, technology is embedded in our education system. We rely on computers, the internet, overhead projectors, microphones, etc. for everyday class room experiences. And it is expected that students have or have access to these technologies. On one hand these could be regarded as positive, but we need to look at the consequences as well.
Reliance on technologies creates dependence. Today we have moved away from traditional ways of teaching. Where there were chalkboards there are now computers with Power Point. Online resources are preferable to going to the library. Technology has made it easier for us to obtain knowledge faster and at greater ease. But technology has also made social contact a distant memory. Nowadays, people are more distant, cold and less socially engaged in part due to the use of newer technologies.
