Module 8-9 Videos

The first video about the introduction to the book was silly, but it did make a good point about the challenges people face when learning how to become technologically savvy. People need to make an effort to learn how to utilize new tools. Even though we may want to give up when struggling to figure out how to use new inventions, and we may be tempted to stick to what is old and familiar rather than spend the time needed to learn to use something new, keeping up with advances in technology is extremely important. People would not be where they are today if they didn't focus on learning and improving the tools we use for day-to-day life.

The panda video about Cyber-bullying was adorable. It would be an effective video to show to younger students to prepare them for a social life spent on the Internet. Since kids are becoming computer literate at such a young age, it is important to prepare them for life lessons they will learn on the computer as well as in real life. The video had an easy to understand lesson about bullying and would be helpful to students who may be teased and upset by things people write about them on personal web pages or in chats.

The students interviewed in the third video, about social networking, seemed to know a lot about safely posting personal information on their my space and face book pages. The animated portion of the video was well-done and sparked some good points, but I thought the live student responses and advice were especially effective. Showing this video to older students would be very helpful in teaching them what to keep in mind before they post certain personal things on their web pages. I liked that they brought up the important topic of employers viewing your web pages before hiring you. That information will make young people think twice before posting photos or stories that may paint an unflattering picture of who they are to prospective employers.

The last video, about teaching special needs students how to use computers and the Internet, offered insight as to the importance of making sure that special needs students do not get left behind with regards to technology education. In order to be a working member of society these days, a person needs to have knowledge of how to perform basic tasks using computers. For special needs students to land jobs as adults, it is necessary for them to have an education in technology equal to that of other students. The teacher interviewed in the video seemed inspired and got her important message across. I agree that special needs students should be trained in technology and should be prepared for life in the real world in the same ways that regular education students are trained and prepared.