My reflections on chapter 9: What Does it All Mean?

This chapter discussed suggestions for parents and teachers to use in an attempt to bridge the generation gap between new learning technologies and existing practices. I am familiar with this generation gap due to first hand experience. Though my mother has embraced new technologies by using social networking websites, becoming an avid "texter" on her Blackberry, and playing video games using the Wii; my father has been reluctant to take such an approach. He struggles navigating the internet when he is not familiar with certain sites, takes an hour to send a one word text message, but LOVES video games that simulate war scenarios. I have also seen this gap in many classrooms, including my own college classrooms, where teachers are not as familiar with technologies as students.

I liked the idea that the authors presented of bridging the gap through playing with children. Parents can begin to become more familiar with learning technologies by simply picking up a video game and playing with their children. Similarly to how parents are accustomed to picking up a book and reading to their children, this should be a common occurrence. When adults do this, they might become familiar with the strategies and skills that can be learned through this type of learning technology, instead of insisting that they are not appropriate.

I also agree with the author's proposition for parents to encourage their children to join and partake in online communities that allow them to share and explore their deep interests. Children can dive into subject they are passionate about and learn more about subjects that interest them by becoming involved in these communities. With support, encouragement, and monitoring from the adult; students can be more successful in their online experiences.