Educating the Millennium Generation

The internet has completely transformed how we acquire information and even how we communicate with each other. In some ways this transformation has been wonderful. Our students are able to locate information in a variety of formats within seconds instead of the hours or days it used to take. They are able to communicate with students all over the world with just a click of a button. But, unfortunately the internet has made it much easier for people to abuse this wealth of knowledge.




We have already discussed how easy it is for students to plagiarize. But just think about how easy it is for people to bully, use and abuse others. Students do not think about the long distant future. They have a difficult time understanding that what they put online stays online forever. When I was growing up, if I wanted to say something mean about someone I had to either say it to their face or put it down on paper. The face to face confrontation usually ended after each person had their say and it is easy to throw away a piece of paper. But now when students want to say something mean about someone else all they have to do is sign in to their Face book account and blast the other person on their wall. Instantly everyone knows your business and it becomes a terrible battle of “he said she said”. Others join in and before you know it a fight breaks out at school. I have broken up three fights this year stemming from what someone said on Face book.



Also, I found the sexting article very informative. Again back in the day you had to have a hard copy of evidence; which maybe one person had. It was much easier to get rid of the evidence. Now however it is easy to attach a picture and send it to everyone in your phone. Teenagers do not have the foresight to think about the consequences of these types of actions. They don’t realize the danger they put themselves in. I remember when I was six; I ran away from school. I thought I was old enough to walk home by myself; it was only a 15 minute drive. Needless to say when I was found I soon learned how scared my parents were, but I still did not understand why they were scared. What I do remember is the punishment I received. Now that I am an adult, I understand why my parents were so scared. I believe teenagers feel this way about sexting. They don’t get what the big deal is, why should we be worried. So how do we keep them safe?



States have incorporated acceptable use in the form of teaching standards. Michigan requires teachers to teach these standards from k – 12. Our district has a policy to teach students about how to use technology appropriately. We make it a point to teach them about the dangers the internet hold as well as long term consequences that can develop from inappropriate use. Parents have to be actively involved when students access technology at home. But perhaps the best way to safe guard a student is to arm them with an education.



I leave you with some food for thought…..



Human beings are human beings. They say what they want, don't they? They used to say it across the fence while they were hanging wash. Now they just say it on the Internet.


Dennis Miller



Both the American people and nations that censor the internet should understand that our government is committed to helping promote internet freedom.


Hillary Clinton



My wife and I had decided not to let anybody take pictures of our home because it was just the last place on earth we had that was unscathed. But people have climbed over the fence; they've taken aerial shots. They've gotten my address and put it on the Internet.


Steven Tyler



The Internet is just bringing all kinds of information into the home. There's just a lot of distraction, a lot of competition for the parent's voice to resonate in the children's ears.


Phil McGraw




Thanks:

http://techplan.edzone.net/METS/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkhpmEZWuRQ

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2009/12/03/poll-finds-sexting-common-among-youth/?

http://www.brainyquote.com/

http://www.douglas.k12.ga.us/?PN=Pages&SubP=Level1Page&L=2&DivisionID=1860&DepartmentID=1704&PageID=4535&ToggleSideNav=Single