Friday, October 25, 2013

Week 9 Post 2

While reading Chapter 15, I took a real interest in how technology may have an impact on cognition. In my opinion I believe that technology can help improve cognition and thinking. I remember that while I was in high school my school district decided it would be a good idea to put Smart Boards in every classroom. These boards were basically interactive whiteboards that allowed teachers to upload their lessons on it and teach from it. I felt like a lot of students in my school liked these boards because these boards offered more features than a traditional blackboard. More kids were listening to teachers and participating in my classes because the Smart Boards help to keep their attention. I personally liked when my teachers used the Smart Board since it provided a better visual aid in understanding certain material. I think since more children are growing up in a world of technology they are beginning to learn how to use it at a much younger age. I remember being amazed by how much my six year old neighbor knew about technology. When I as babysitting my neighbor over the summer, I could not believe that she already knew how to work her parent’s flat screen T.V. and how to search for movies on Netflix. In addition to that, she knew what my iPhone was and she knew about the different games that you can play on my phone. Seeing as children already know so much about technology at a young age, I think it will help them to learn various things throughout their life that will continue to help them in their future.

1 comment:

  1. I agree with you on how technology can enhance cognitive development. However, I feel that it is hindering our ability to learn basic skills. For example, when our parents were younger, they had no calculator, they had to use an abacus to add and subtract. They also did not have Google to look up anything they did not know. Our generation is incredibly hindered by technology not only in cognition and education, but in social skills. Every time I go to a restaurant and see two people texting or playing our their phone, I just want to lecture them. Why go out with a friend while you are engaged by another conversation? I have also noticed that internet dating is becoming more and more popular. Is this because we feel comfortable behind a computer screen more so then a face-to-face interaction? I think so. To be honest, if this class room was an actual class, instead of an online class, I probably would not have the courage to say certain thoughts that I have had. In my opinion, technology increases what we can learn and how we want to learn, but it hinders our thinking ability and our social skills.

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