Technology Literacy and the MySpace Generation

Blog #2
Technology Literacy and the MySpace Generation
Author Susan McLester


Here are my thoughts on "Technology Literacy and the MySpace Generation" by the author Susan McLester. The descriptive intro on Hannah, reminded me of my son, Lance. He is a teenager who is technology savvy. He is up to date on all the latest gadgets, and has most of them. No sooner than he buys one new gadget, he tells me about another new gadget that is coming out that he plans to buy. Thank god he has a job and now spends his own money on those new gadgets.

The answer to the question “How do we implement the technology standards?” is having all schools meet the standards the way CSUSM requires it be met. Require all students to test out of the computer class, or take a computer class. But, this computer course needs to be implemented in middle school, and reinforced in high school. It is widely known that young people learn new things quicker; therefore, it is better to start the computer class earlier than later. The standards on what computer software courses to teach should be set for the entire United States, not by state. The computer course taught should be adjusted according to the business workforce. After all, we are preparing our students to work in the work force.

Question #1 – Should parents let their children continuously buy the latest technology gadget?
Answer #1 – The answer is yes, if the child is paying for it themselves. Whereas, the answer is no if parents are continuously buying the latest technology gadgets for their child. Parents have to set a budget and boundary for their child.


Question #2 – What computer software courses should be taught to public education students?

Answer #2 – Public education students should be taught how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office. They should also be taught how to use the internet, e-mail a message, a fax machine, a scanner, and a pager.

Marilyn Johnson