Journal #6

Richardson, K (2008, May). Don't Feed the Trolls. Learning & Leading with Technology, Retrieved August, 2 2009, from
http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=May_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=3972&ContentID=20817&DirectListComboInd=D

Synopsis:
As students begin to use the computer more than a pen and paper they need to learn about conduct on the internet. The article spoke about students posting on blogs as a way of journaling instead of the normal pen and paper. By doing so anyone can read what is posted and therefore these students need to learn what should and shouldn’t be posted on the internet. It is imperative that these student’s know that when hurtful posting are added to a blog then someone is going to get their feelings hurt. Anyone can access the information and read what is being written.

Question:
Will students, at any age, know the consequences of posting hurtful messages?
I think the concern I have with having kids post to the internet is they won’t understand the ramifications of posting hurtful messages on the internet. They also don’t know that what they post will stay with them for a very long time. For older kids especially. Employers are now looking to the internet to see what they can find out about potential employees. If unflattering messages or pictures are posted on the internet then that might deter an employer.

Question:
Will blogging become the norm for the generation that is going through school now?
As kids become more advance on computers I see blogging and other social means of discourse becoming the norm. There is a sense of need to know now in our society and blogging and other social websites seem to fulfill that. Kids will be able to post what they are doing and that will be a means to stay in touch with friends and family. It will be interesting to see what this new generation does with technology.