If by chanced you stumbled onto my blog and are asking yourself what on earth you are looking at, then let me explain! My name is Taylah Hellyar and I am lucky enough to be a pre-service teacher studying primary education in Australia. This blog is simply me tackling a series of questions based around technology. Here you will be able to see my research, opinions and experiences which will hopefully give you an insight into my brain. 

 

If you enjoy what you read (or even if you don’t) let me know through twitter at @taylahhellyarr 

Or alternately use this link https://twitter.com/taylahhellyarr

Today I will be discussing the existence of digital natives and how they have evolved over the years.

 

I grew up part of that awkward era. I mean sure, my childhood was filled with outside adventures, but I was born into a generation that (I believe) consists of a high percentage of digital natives. As a child I witnessed VCR’s evolve into DVD’s, CD’s turn into iPod’s and WIFI being installed into every home (which, in my opinion, was one of the greatest changes in technology to date). I was given my first flip phone at age 11 and I received a pink MP3 player for my 7^th birthday, both things my parents didn’t experience until their teen years. And with this being said, how can you not believe digital natives exist 

 

For those unsure on what a ‘digital native’ actually is, it can simply be described as those who were born into an environment where they are exposed to technology and have attained technological abilities more advanced than those born in the previous generation. Typically, those born after 1980, would consider themselves a digital native. (Murat Akçayır, 2016). However, this would raise the question of “is there different kinds of digital natives?”, as I’m sure, just life myself, most people in my generation have been bombarded with question their whole life about technology, including those born after 1980. Someone born in 1980 might have had all the knowledge on technology when it came to dial up internet and latest Nokia flip phone, but they have no clue on how to use Facebook and still reach for their home phone when they need to make a call. Even now, I find young high school kids having more knowledge than me. In my opinion, this demonstration the various generations of digital natives and proves they can’t be put into the same box.

 

As always, if you enjoyed what you read (or even if you didnt) let me know through twitter at @taylahhellyarr 

Or alternately use this link https://twitter.com/taylahhellyarr

 

Sources used:

Akçayır, Murat, Dündar, Hakan, & Akçayır, Gökçe. (2016). What makes you a digital native? Is it enough to be born after 1980? Computers in Human Behavior,60, 435-440.

 

PowerPoint was a simple and effective way to engage your audience while doing any sort of presentation, but in 2018, its doing the opposite. According to Forbes, Harvard University conducted a study which shows that other applications can be far more beneficial. In said study, 25% suggested Prezi presentations were more effective and persuasive than most PowerPoint and oral presentations combine. (Armstrong, 2017). But this raises the question of “why on earth do people still use PowerPoint”. 

 

PowerPoint has been used religiously for the past 20 years and as creatures of habit, we don’t want to make the change. It gives us various templates, slide transitions and front options, which we all consider ‘creative’, even though it’s the complete opposite. Microsoft forces us to use their premade ideas while simultaneity convincing us we are the creators. I mean sure, you have some creative control over the colour scheme and font size, but at this point, we have seen all the combinations there is.

 

Now listen, while PowerPoint may have been revolutionary 15 years ago, it’s safe to say it is time to wave a final goodbye and close that application forever

 

 

 Reference List 

Armstrong, P. (2017, July 5). Stop Using PowerPoint. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paularmstrongtech/2017/07/05/stop-using-powerpoint-harvard-university-says-its-damaging-your-brand-and-your-company/#71f556773e65

Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft PowerPoint. Retrieved from Microsoft : https://products.office.com/en-AU/powerpoint?legRedir=true&CorrelationId=200fce59-ce59-400e-a0c4-a53ed0a03389

 

Due to the accessibility of quick and easy communication, there has been a decline in face to face communication, as well has verbal communication in general. (Edwards, 2014). I don’t imagine this being the original goal of developing technology, but as a society we have abused what we have and forgotten the importance of real communication. As a result, Milton Kazmeyer presents the idea of social isolation and fake friends. Many social networks have subconsciously encouraged us to give up the few strong social connections we have, for multiple online and shallow “friendships”. (Kazmeyer, n.d.). But this isn’t the only issue that is related to technology.

 

It’s challenging to think about, especially if you have children, but privacy is a huge issue in today’s world. Social media has made us feel comfortable with sharing extremely personal information with complete strangers. Although we are reassured this information is kept private and can be deleted at any time, this isn’t the case. Everything photo we post, all the tweets we make, all the snapchats we send, will never truly be deleted. (NC State University , n.d.). This particularly raises concern for children and teens who don’t understand the implications of their actions. This can produce a safety concern for those who are posting information such as their house address, work place or what school they attend. (NC State University , n.d.).

 

In 2018 social media and technology is at an all-time high, but there is always a downside. These issues are only a small snippet of what can go wrong, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons. We can eliminate so many of the ethical issues by just getting educated. So, make yourself aware and keep updating those profile pictures!

 

 

 

Edwards, G. (2014). How Communication Has Evolved With New Technologies. Retrieved from Bright Hub Project Management : https://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/79052-exploring-how-technology-has-changed-communication/

Kazmeyer, M. (n.d.). Negative Effects of Technology on Communication. Retrieved from Techwalla: https://www.techwalla.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology-on-communication

NC State University . (n.d.). Ethics in Computing. Retrieved from NC State : https://ethics.csc.ncsu.edu/privacy/web/study.php