“I think that once we absorb that this is how our adolescents spend their lives, we need to see how that may affect the other parts of their lives,” Westcott said. “We may be tempted to simply demonize those behaviors, but instead we need to look at how it shapes how kids relate to one another, to their families, their teachers, and their world at large.”
In fact, educators can use the study to learn more about their students and how students use technology.
“Does it make forming and maintaining friendships easier? Does it encourage gossiping or bullying? Does it allow for you to be a supportive community or build school spirit?” Westcott asked. “Teachers can ask their students if electronic communication between the teacher or the school and students makes things easier. No more forgotten textbooks or homework? Can class web pages have suggested resources for homework help or test review?”
Westcott said it’s also important to consider those students who do not have home access to technology and think about how they can gain access to the educational tools that require a computer or high-speed internet connection.
“Teachers also need to consider how technology has changed the way that information is accessed and perhaps learn from their students,” Westcott said. “Teachers can look for continuing education offerings that [help them] learn how to adapt lesson plans to take advantage of these tools and how to teach students to use them responsibly.
Links:
“Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds”
Family Online Safety Institute
International Publishers Marketing
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