Week 2

I am a newbie with technology! It was not until late 1999 that I began using a computer. My husband has always “played” with or tinkered with computers, and eventually we decided to bring one home. Our lives have changed dramatically since that first computer. We did not get an internet connection until 2005, which was dial up, and eventually followed with wireless in 2007. I knew when dial up was making me “nuts” that I had finally become adapted to computers and all they offer. Helping my children rebuild computers, write their school essays and a multitude of other forays into the internet world soon relieved my fear of breaking the computer, and unveiled the possibilities. Today, I freely use computers in my career and at home. A few responsibilities at work include updating our public computers and working in the server room and diagnosing computer issues. However, I have limited social networking skills – this is not because I am afraid or unsure of them, I just prefer to visit with my friends and family in person, or on the phone. In addition, I occasionally enjoy “snail” mail – it seems a lost art since e-mail and instant messaging. Since attending Walden University, I have experienced the online learning environment, discovered avatars in Second Life, and created my first blog. Going to school and working with computers and the ensuing technology has allowed me greater freedom with my educational choices.

According to our resources, one concern of this ““social revolution” is an individual’s privacy, quality of life and loss of humanity” (Dede, 2005) Being a digital immigrant, I understand and share these concerns, especially with my children. One of the biggest compromises for our family was that our children could use this technology with the stipulation that it was in a positive manner and with creative purpose. With all the “toys”, they still had to understand the “immigrants” methods, such as using a dictionary or using resources such as books to complete projects, our goal was to give them the ability to function and thrive in both environments. Teaching them about privacy and anonymity of a computer was easy – convincing them of being socially active in “real” life was a struggle. Understanding the difference between having real time experience is just as important as acquiring technology skills.
In the end, computers and technology have revolutionized how we learn, and altered the landscape of our lives. Finding a balance between technology and “real” life is often more difficult than learning new technology.
Regards, Constance