Interview Reflection

     Upon interviewing my roommate, Hannah Jackson, these are her views on technology use
throughout life as well as in a classroom.
While Jackson was growing up she had the privilege of using computer games to help her better
learn how to read and write. “I started using a computer when I was about 6 years old. However, I was
not self-taught like many younger children today. I was shown how to work the mouse, what to click on,
how to properly use the computer, and so on.” Jackson’s parents encouraged her learning how to
become more advanced in reading and writing by using the computer and figuring out how to spell
words by typing them out and seeing the letters as she entered them into the games. “These
educational games helped me become more advanced in not only my schooling but how to use a
computer as well.”
     Jackson states, “I think that in childhood education today the use of technology is not too
different as it was when technology first came out, however, there is somewhat of a difference.
Although I personally was not exposed to technology when others may have been exposed I know that
some people in my generation were able to work computers when they were about 1 year old. Today
children slightly younger are also becoming exposed to using such technology in their early lives.”
Jackson also comments on the significant difference between students today and students from her
generation.
   
“One major difference between technology use; is the evolution of the technology itself.
Technology has become much more advanced over the short amount of years it has been presented.”
After “I think that self-teaching can be an effective way for students to learn more about how to use

Technology should make us optimistic 

computers in general as well as in the classroom. Many students are finding new websites, apps, etc.
and teaching themselves how to use the particular site or app through their own experience and
involvement with the technology.” Jackson thinks that having centers in schools to help students
become more engaged in these new technologies may help them focus more in different classrooms on important material, which may also help students find ways in how to incorporate the technology in
their different classrooms as well.


http://www.salon.com/2013/01/28/five_great_books_on_technology_and_optimism_partner/