Journal #2: How Teenagers Consume Media

Robson, M. (2009, July 13). How Teenagers Consume Media: the Study that Shook the City. Retrieved 7/25/09, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jul/13/teenage-media-habits-morgan-stanley

First of all, lets see some sources kiddo! Given the fact that this report was published by a well-known firm like Morgan Stanley, I assume the information is accurate. However, the article itself definitely does not specify whether the statistics provided are fact or opinion. With that behind us, lets move on...
I'm not sure why this report was so "shocking" to everyone in the UK. The most shocking thing about it to me was the fact that a 15 year old was able to construct such a thorough investigation of teenagers' use of technology. A couple things stood out to me about the information that was presented: 1. it seems that the internet and online access are being used mainly as a way to scour for free stuff (music, movies, games, etc.) rather than obtain information, 2. hard goods such as newspapers, cd's, and books will soon be a thing of the past (and join the cassette tape in the history books) and 3. I found it particularly interesting how technology and media is forcing people to rethink the way they advertise. The report was interesting, but merely confirmed many of my speculations about teenage technology use rather than expose shocking new information.

Technology now offers teenagers open access to a lot of different things. As parents and teachers, what is the best way to monitor their activities?
I think it is easier to monitor kids in school, mainly because their technology use is centered around scholastic projects during that time. I'm not a parent, but I often wonder about how hard it would be to monitor and protect your child with the current state of technology.

How does this article relate to us as teachers?
More than anything, this article just points out the fact that technology is an integral part in the lives of just about every teenager. If something is this much a part of their lives, then we should definitely be using it as a medium to teach. Their familiarity and interest in technology can help spark their interest in a project or more easily understand a subject/assignment.