How young people are using technology
The World Wide Web has evolved to become an increasingly dynamic and interactive medium, where users can post and download content and interact with each other using a wide variety of services.
Developments in technology
At the same time, the convergence of technical and communication platforms has enabled users to make the most of these services and interact with each other across multiple platforms and devices, including mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and game consoles as well as PCs.
Young people’s preferences
These advances in technology mean that young people can easily access a multitude of interactive services using a variety of different devices. Social networking, mobile phones and user interactive services offer many positive opportunities for children and young people to communicate, interact and share content and interests.
A day in the life of a typical young person offers many opportunities to use mobile and internet technologies. For school life, this might include:
- texting friends at breakfast to meet up at the bus stop
- using the internet to research some homework or
- discussing today’s history topic with friends on a group forum or social networking site.
Socialising for young people often involves:
- chatting and catching up with friends on IM (instant messenger).
- creating and writing a blog, journal or diary about what they got up to today
- taking photos of themselves, family and school friends on their mobile and
- uploading and sharing photos on their social networking profile.
Hobbies and interests can be enhanced, for instance:
- creating and designing a personal website using graphics, colour, music and images that represents their unique style
- playing an online game with a younger brother or sister
- checking out the latest music release - available online only
- downloading a music track to add and listen to later on their MP3 player
- watching a video clip online and even
- publishing and sharing their own music.
All of these typical activities demonstrate the seamless integration of offline and online worlds for children and young people today.
The educator’s role
As much as children and young people enjoy the freedom and creativity that new technologies offer them, this online world – just like the real world – is not completely safe. Anyone under the age of 18 may be vulnerable to inappropriate or harmful contact through these services.
Teachers and support staff have a role to play in helping to secure a safer online environment for children and young people. This task begins by making them aware of the possible risks. It continues with providing them with skills, tools and safety measures to help them manage their online experience and to protect themselves from potential harm.
Link associati
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNlneBT1Xbs&lr=1&user=buongiornomilan
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