Our New Changed World

We recently discussed the idea of this new world of participation. In the YouTube video by Wesch he discusses the idea that we don't just sit back and watch, but we participate. He used the example of the Numa Numa video that went viral on YouTube and how many people remade videos of the dance and put their own spin on it. I think it is kind of neat to see so many people getting involved in new trends. 

Back when I was growing up we did not have things like cellphones or apps like TikTok and Instagram that quickly make things go viral. I received my first phone when I was around 14 or 15 and I was only allowed to use it when I was babysitting, to text my mom to tell her I was ready to be picked up! It is kind of crazy in today's day and age how young these kids are when they receive their first phones. Like Katia said in her presentation, kids around age 10 are receiving their first phones and making their social media presence known. 

Technology is an amazing tool that can definitely be used proactively in the classroom. There is quite a few questionable things out there on the internet that make you wonder if you should really be bringing in technology into the classroom. Kids today are on some sort of social media platform when they are first born! Having technology in the classroom can prove to be extremely beneficial for students who are growing up in this world full of it. They are already digital geniuses by the time they reach grade level, so having something in the classroom that they are familiar with can help them in the learning process tremendously. Technological/online learning may be our new normal, so I think it would be beneficial to us all to use it for our advantage to be able to better support our future students!! 
Let me know your thoughts on this topic, or if you agree or disagree with anything!!