Learning Resources - Diversity 5.03

5.03 Age Issues. Discuss issues of age and technology use.

Introduction

Is it appropriate to place computers in a second grade classroom? If so, how should they be used? How do teachers and administrator respond to using technology? What happens when the students are more computer literate than their teachers are? As a technology specialist, you must anticipate these age-related issues in order to reduce their negative impact on the success of educational technology

Your Job:

  1. Use the details provided below to create a product that addresses and demonstrates mastery of this competency.
  2. Use the stepwise process listed under Your Portfolio to display the completed product in your ITSC portfolio.

    Product Details:

    • Discuss issues of age and technology use.
    •  Describe common differences in the approach and reaction to computer-based technologies within varying age groups.
    • Within your discussion cite research as a foundation for the points that you make.
    • Identify specific computer-based technologies and discuss age differences that are supported by research.

Your Portfolio:

  1. FTP your completed product for this competency to the "5divers" folder within the web-based portfolio template provided.
  2. Click here to view the "Design" page in the portfolio template.
  3. Download the "Design" page from your ftp folder.
  4. Locate 5.03 Age Issues on the "Design" page.
  5. Under "5.03 Age Issues" locate this sentence..."To view the evidence that I offer for this competency, please click here."
  6. Link the word "here" to your product.
  7. Delete the old "Design" page in your ftp folder.
  8. Upload your revised "Design" page.
  9. Submit the URL for your completed product in the student database.

Related Resources:

  • Leadership in Instructional Technology. Mathew M. Mauer & George S. Davidson.
    • Type of resource: Book (hard copy)
    • Source: Upper Saddle River, N.J. Merrill, c1998.
    • Description: Constructivist and developmentally appropriate learning theories are the underpinnings of this engaging book. After reading this book, principals, teachers, and technology specialists cannot help to but to view teaching and technology in a new light. Issues covered: planning, funding, leadership, staff development, shared goals, censorship, and software evaluation.
  • Age Difference in Computer Anxiety: The Role of Computer Experience, Gender, and Education. Dyck, Jennifer L.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: Journal of Educational Computer Research. v10 n3. p239-48 1994.
    • Description: Examines the relationship between computer anxiety and computer experience for older (over 55) and younger (under 30) adults. Results indicated that older adults were less computer anxious than younger adults but had less computer confidence. No gender differences were found when computer experience was controlled.
  • A Survey of Age and Attitudes Toward Computers. David C. Morric.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: Journal of Educational Technology Systems. v17 n1. p73-78 1988-89.
    • Description: This study examines the relationship between age, education, sex, and household income, and attitudes toward computers.
  • Age and Staff Development Experience with Computers as Factors Affecting Teacher Attitudes Toward Computers. Clarice Gressard and Brenda Loyd.
    • Type of resource: Article (hard copy)
    • Source: School Science and mathematics. v85 n3. March 1985.
    • Description: Examines a study that shows how staff development can reduce technophobia.

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