Since the time I’ve been teaching, I taught only pre school. In upper elementary and high school use the computers in class and outside of school. Where ever they have access with computers. There is a computer lab in the youth center that are connected to the Internet. I noticed that the teenagers use the Internet to explore what is in the network. They learn how to make up accounts and set up their websites. The sites help them to learn to write in their second language. The computer is like a tutor all the information is there and the spell check is there to help how to write in English.
First time I had the Internet at home, my teenage relatives helped me to make up accounts on MSN hot mail and bebo. I was amazed how well they worked on line. When I needed help my sisters who are younger than me and my sons helped me with the computer. I found out they were more educated with media than I did. I remember I couldn’t even upload pictures on my profile and music from you tube, I depended on my son who was only 11 yrsold to help me import music and pictures. I wondering how he thought about him teaching me , he probably felt good about himself.
When the Ipod
came out of course my children knew about them and asked if they can have them. They were the once who import them to the computer and uploaded their favorite music. I would say the media is very important for the students, not only they learn how to work with computers and other kinds of technology it also help them to write and to read in their second language. Also it has the negative ,it’s not save to go on line without knowing what programs and sites that not safe for children. But they learn to be dependent and to be on the safe side not to get in trouble.
