I recently read a blog from Clarence Fisher at Remote Access.
It was entitled "TV? Who Watches That?" The blog goes on to depict that very question. He describes in the blog how more often than not kids are choosing to "go online" over sitting in front of the television. He even goes on to compare the TV to what the radio has become....something on in the background while doing something else. It may be that the kids have the TV on in the background while they are online, but rarely do kids sit down to watch a scheduled program. The Internet has become the new "leisure activity."
Fisher also commented on the fact that MOST students in his class use social networking and for those that do, Facebook is the network of choice. The students said they use Facebook for photo sharing and keeping up to date with their friends. It's easy to see what is going on in all of their friends' lives without needing to speak to directly to them every day. The students also agreed that Facebook has a more user-friendly, safer feel than MySpace. (At least it was encouraging to know they are thinking about safety.) They came to the conclusion that Facebook is the "NEW" myspace; however, they also agreed that something "newer" would probably be along in due time. They couldn't wait to see what would come up next.
With these thoughts in mind, my mind started racing with questions. If this is the truth about TV, then what effects might it have to our society? Check out my concerns below:
1. What will happen to the television media market as well as people looking for jobs in this field? (This was also a concern listed in Fisher's blog.)
2. Will the Internet have the same effect on other leisure activities such as playing sports?
3. If more students are using social networking, how will we teach our students about safety when using it?
4. Is it possible for the Internet (where anyone can author information) to be censored or rated? (Television shows & movies provide ratings for viewers and also allow parents to block channels.)
5. Will radios and TVs eventually become obsolete when new inventions like the Internet are created?
Feel free to comment.....
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1 comment:
This is a very interesting issue because technology has grown so much over the years. It seems that everything on “TV” you can do on the computer using the internet. Now on the internet you are able to watch TV shows, sports, movies, ect. It is amazing that the “TV” is being turned off and the computer is always on in most households. With the “TV” students are not able to interact as much as they are able to with the internet. They are able to chat, email, talk, and even use live video feeds to communicate. The one issue that you brought up that I think will haunt students is safety. I think safety is one of the biggest issues with the internet and our students. They feel like they are “covered” on the internet, meanwhile they could be putting themselves in danger. An example of this would be when people are buying things online, because they are entering personal information from their credit card into the computer. Children see their parents, family, and teachers using the internet daily, without even thinking, so why should we expect our children to think differently. The main point is no one is safe, so be alert when exposing your personal information. This article is extremely interesting and I thought your review was outstanding. I plan to visit this blog to see if any more information is being discussed regarding these issues.
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