Reflection on "Key Findings" of Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-year-olds

While reading Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-year-olds, I did not find the results of the study surprising.  As a classroom teacher myself, I see and hear about the amount of time my own 4^th grade students spend using various media devices.  I would estimate that over half of the students in my classroom have their own cell phones that they mostly use for gaming and taking pictures, yet not necessarily for making phone calls.  Almost every student in my classroom also owns either a personal gaming system like a PS2, an mp3 player like an iPod, or both.  My feelings in connection with both the article and my actual experience with students using multiple media devices are mixed.  I definitely think that students are growing and learning during an era when the use of multiple media devices is a necessity.  However, as briefly mentioned in the “Key Findings” section, it is evident that students are also loosing appreciation for tried and true learning materials like books, magazines, etc.  Why would a student use an actual dictionary, when they can just access the Dictionary application on their iPod touch?  I understand that with technology becoming more of staple in our everyday lives, it is necessary and evident that some resources are not being used as frequently.  Nevertheless, I don’t think that materials will become obsolete and simple exposure to, for example, print materials, is equally important for students.  I was happy to see the portion of the study that included data concerning light, moderate, and heavy users in connection with the grades students are earning, how they feel about themselves, their families, etc.  I’m hoping that my students this year, as well as future students, will have parents that have set rules in regards to the use of media devices in the home.  In my opinion, students that struggle and lack focus when it comes to school work, should not be enabled at home to apply that focus in connection with a media device.  I am well aware that this is easier said than done.  However, with anything, students thrive when they are given boundaries.  Therefore, when it comes to the use of media devices in my own classroom, I currently employ and will continue to employ rules according to usage.  Technology and media devices are there to enrich, improve, and engage students while learning the content within the curriculum.  Media devices should not be used as a parent’s or teacher’s babysitter with the assumption that learning will simply be gained through “screen time.”