I consider myself to be a member of Generation X and I try to stay up to date with the newest technology, not necessarily the newest technology applications, but none the less at least I am an owner of a Smartphone and a tablet. The article How 3 Different GenerationsUse The Internet discusses the technology divide between three generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials. After reading this article I was surprised to see the Baby Boomers with such high percentages: 30% use social networking, 51 % use their cell phones to text, and 79% use the internet. I think these are high percentages for a generation who grow up with very limited technology and watched only 3 channels on a black and white TV. I am even impressed with parents of Baby Boomers who seem to be using technology on a daily basis. For example, both my grandmothers are in their 80’s and both of them have cell phones and tablets. You can find both my grandma’s on Facebook, posting pictures and making comments on their people’s profiles…how cool is that?!?! They both also play games on their tablets, granted they are casino games, but they are still using technology as a form of entertainment. My favorite thing to see is when my ten year old son sits with my grandma, he’s great-grandma, and teachers her how to use different applications and change settings on her Kindle. It melts my heart for some reason. My grandma and my son don’t even belong to any of the generations listed above; they come before and after these generations. There is great table in this blog which is a must see, just click the link above to visually witness the technology divide.

So I consider myself moderately tech savvy, but I have yet to dive into the world of Twitter. I had a MySpace approximately 6 years ago and I love to read the posts on Facebook, but Twitter has always seemed like app for my teenage children, but after reading A RefreshinglySimple Guide To Twitter For Teachers I think I will set up a Twitter account today. Something about the hashtag seems so fun and fresh. Teachers can use their twitter account to share classroom ideas and to communicate with students. Teachers can create continuous communication with students which will require students to provide input and feedback on subjects, lessons, and assignments. Since Twitter is a fun, new tool students may be more lightly to give feedback via Twitter versus the old pencil and paper approach. This article helps teachers get started on Twitter and I will consider using Twitter as an educational tool once I am in the classroom.

WestonG15September 21, 2013 at 3:36 PM
I really like your first post about Generation X and staying up to date with technology. It is important for us as educators to stay current with our technology because it gives us a huge advantage in the classroom. We can't fall behind, because our students are rapidly learning.
Meilan ZhangSeptember 24, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Hi, Renee, it is indeed a touching scene that your son teaches your grandmother how to use technology.
It is amazing how social media tools such as Facebook enables us to share our life and stay connected, regardless of ages. I am glad that you found Twitter useful. Many teachers are using Twitter to share educational resources.