Questions for Thought:
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1. Compare and Contrast each documentary. What was similar or different from the first one Digital Nation filmed in 2010 to Generation Like filmed in 2012?  
In the video Digital Nation, we seem to be given a sense of optimism about what technology can do for us. We are given the story of how a woman was able to come out of retirement to conduct her own online cooking show; we are also given explanations on how technology can help military personnel improve their efficiency by being given simulations of opposing military forces and civilians and being instructed to shoot down those militants and not civilians. Thus, the simulations are used as target practices. The video Generation Like seems to offer more skepticisms about technology as they address issues such as digital footprinting. Thus, for example, at the beginning of the video, we see a famous actor being amazed but also startled by how much information is about him on the internet. In my perspective, the two videos give the message that technology is a wonderful tool to have at one's disposal. However, as we become more aware of how to use technology, we become aware of the potential hazards it can cause for us, as reflected in the second video.
2. Your thoughts on multitasking. Do you agree? Can you multitask? Do you disagree with the video on the topic of multitasking? What do you think our students think about multitasking today?
I think it is important to be able to multitask. However, I agree with the doctor in the video Digital Nation that our brains are perhaps being given more stimulation than we can handle through our use of technology. This is especially the case for children whose brains are not fully developed. For example, as children become engaged in tasks such as text messaging, going on the internet, and listening to other people talking at the same time, their cognitive abilities may become strained and this can have a negative effect on their emotions (as they can become restless) and their ability to learn and function well in a community. Thus, I think learning how to multitask is important but should be done in moderation, as it can have negative effects on individuals.

3. Is there an addiction happening in society today with technology or is it just a new way of living? Should we be concerned?

I think like the message given in Generation Like we should be concerned about the way technology dominates our life. Even though it is normal for us to search new issues on the internet and use e-mail as a form of communication, it becomes scary when we get to the point where we will be lost without our I phone or computer. By becoming too dependent on these devices, we may lose skills that are important. For instance, when we use word document, we are so use to word making corrections for us that we are not concerned as much about how to remember to spell a word. As a result, even though technology makes life easier for us in many ways, we, at the same time, lose valuable skills that we once had because we do not think of them as important anymore.


4. Do video games serve a purpose in education or are they a waste of time?

I think video games serve a purpose in education so long as they have an educational goal or purpose in them. For instance, a video game that just seeks to entertain students will be a waste of time. However, if the video game calls for students to think critically about an issue or problem, then the game will have a place in education. However, the teacher administering the video game should be sure that the video game not only has an educational goal but that that goal is in line with the objectives that he or she set out for his or her course.

5. How did what you watched in the two videos support your feelings about technology or how did it change your views?

I think the two videos Digital Nation and Generation Like confirmed many of the feelings I had about technology. I think the video Digital Nation helped me understand how technology can be used as a therapeutic tool; this is something that I have not given too much thought to. Both videos gave a well balanced account of the benefits and potential hazards of technology. Since the video Generation Like is more recent, it seemed to me to focus a little more on the hazards of technology. Although I was aware of some of the hazards, this video made me think a little more deeply about them.


6. Are kids and adults today ruining their digital footprints by sharing too much information online without realizing that it may be detrimental to their future? Should they care? Are they focused on too much of what others think?

I think people need to be prudent about what they put on the internet and should give extra thought about whether they want someone else to see or know about a personal fact about them. So, I think they should care if the detail is personal, like credit card information or deep feeling they have for an organization or for themselves. However, at the same time, it is not beneficial to become too paranoid when using technology. For instance, if someone wants to celebrate the fact that he or she won a contest or a game and wants to put it on facebook, I do not see anything wrong with that.

7. What do you feel are the dangers of technology use? Are there any?

I think sharing too much information, bullying, and plagiarism are significant issues that one encounters using technology. However, those same concerns can be found where technology is not used. Therefore, I do not think the problem is technology; technology is simply a tool.  Giving classes like digital citizenship to students can help students become good community citizens of the internet and can help people in the future exploit the advantages of the internet more effectively.



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Overall Final Reflection:
Please add anything else you feel would explain your views about the videos and how they relate to educational technology or your personal lives.
What was your favorite part of either video? Why? Most interesting?

My favorite part of the videos was the woman who was able to engage in an online cooking class. This shows how technology can benefit people of all walks of life. The most interesting part of the video for me was when the doctor talked about the effects that technology can have on the brain.