Where do we draw the line?

The video of the Daily Show with guest Steve Johnson really outlines the struggle of today's society with increasing technology in every aspect of our world today. Generations feel torn between the "good old days" and "the future". There is no denying the technology has improved the quality of life for most all human beings from the increasing ease and variety of communication to the advancements in the medical field. Devices that were once considered a luxury in the early 90's, are less-expensive yet better staples in an American household. I recently heard one of my students telling a friend, "My parents found my cigarettes. They took away my cell phone for THREE whole days!" as if the apocalypse were approaching.

Of course there are negative things about technology, especially when it comes to the decreasing ability of students to verbally communicate ideas and present material learned using their own words. Cyber-bullying is at an all-time high in America. But like all major changes in society, we have to accept the good with the bad. After all, the "new" ways of life and education are not really good or bad - they are just different. As an educator, it is my professional responsibility to be different as well, in order to properly stimulate our different type of student we now have.

One discussion topic in particular caught my attention on the video. Steven Johnson discusses the disconnect in reality that impresses upon the user of video games and simulations. Video game use has problems in and of itself, including a proven decrease in academic performance and increasing obesity rates. But this comment caught my attention because I have several friends my age (26) who use the online community called Second Life. They spend hours a night with their 'avatar' and spend hundreds of dollars of real money in a virtual world. I agree that some games and software can stimulate thinking and problem solving... but this is not good use of time or money.