Are iPads, smartphones, and the Mobile Web rewiring the way we think?

The idea that technology usage is rewiring our brains is a provocative thought. I must admit feelings of ambivalence towards the topic. Just when I am ready to take a side, a new piece of information muddys the water for me again. It seems logical that when kids spend a lot of time staring at a screen that their brains are being affected. Really though, it is not just the involvement of a screen, but what are they doing? Are they mindlessly using the computer to watch videos or television shows? Did they use some level of knowledge to find these programs? Part of the argument is that reading online is only skimming. People don't go as deep because they are clicking here and there, taking hyperlinks to new sources. But, wait a minute. What about the skill of being able to find information? Surfing from one site to the next trying to find things takes some structured thinking.
The Internet and computers are being compared to the invention of the printing press. Yes, it's that big. People's habits and behaviors were changed by such a wonderful invention. There was uncertainty at first, (oh no, the masses will be able to read!) In the end though, it turned out pretty good. Change is hard, especially change on this massive of a scale. Yes, we are going to do things differently and our children may even approach things differently. This is a good thing. Progress is important to our quality of life. Sure there will be some bumps in the road, but every time you pick up a printed source remember it is worth it.

Lamb, G. M. (2010, 7/24). Are iPads, smartphones, and the Mobile Web rewiring the way we think?The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved from: http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Tech/2010/0724/Are-iPads-smartphones-and-the-Mobile-Web-rewiring-the-way-we-think.

The Shamer's Signet

The Shamer's Signet
Kaaberbol, Lene
0805075429

This is the second novel in the Shamer Chronicles. Dina Tonerre and her older brother Davin both narrate the story with the voice alternating between the various chapters. This is an effective device that gives the story more depth because we know what two of the main characters are thinking. Davin is sixteen and struggling with becoming a man. This is not easy for any boy, but Davin has no father and is now living among the Kensie clan needing to prove himself while trying to break away from his family, learn sword fighting and gain some independence. The author uses this tension between childhood and adulthood to move the plot along in surprising ways. Dina experiences her own struggles as an evil lord tries to use her gift as a shamer as his own personal weapon. Again there are a few curse words and the mood is serious. This book should appeal to boys and girls because of the dual narration and the medieval setting. There are four books in this series and I am excited to read the last two. Hopefully Lene Kaaberbol will continue to write in this genre.

The Shamer's Daughter

The Shamer's Daughter
Kaaberbol, Lene
0805075410

The Shamer's Daughter was written in Danish and translated by the author into English. Dina, the narrator and protagonist of the story is almost eleven, but her adventures and the subject matter seem a tiny bit mature for a ten almost eleven-year-old. There are a couple minor curse words that do not detract from the story. This is basically a tale of good versus evil. Good as usually triumphs, but not without a certain amount of heartache. Dina Tonerre and her mother are 'shamers'. When an individual looks into their eyes all of the bad things a person has done vividly comes to mind leaving the person feeling ashamed and vulnerable. The person cannot lie to a shamer or hide any thoughts. For this reason most people won't look Dina and Melussina Tonerre, her mother in the eyes. The town doesn't consider them outcasts, but doesn't welcome them either. Melussina is summoned to a distant town to test a criminal to see if he is lying, when she doesn't return a rider comes for Dina and they both are swept into political intrigue that they may not survive. This book has it all, special abilities, dragons, adventure and action. A really good read!

Pokemon as an Educational Tool

The Pokemon Generation: Building Lesson Plans Around a Gaming Environment Creates Effective Learning by J.P. Porcaro is a must read for all teachers in conjunction with Marc Prensky's Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. The Digital Natives article makes the case that students learn differently these days because of their digital backgrounds.Their brains have been rewired and the traditional read the text, lecture, and take a test method is outdated and ineffective. Today's generation of teacher did not grow up in the same digital context and is therefore a Digital Immigrant. The correlation is made between a typical immigrant and the digital. Because of this difference in technological backgrounds teachers speak a different language and operate at a slower speed than their students.
The Pokemon Generation makes the case for using Pokemon, the most popular video game ever as "a valuable tool for teaching lessons across the curriculum." To see the value in this idea you must understand the basic premise of the game. The player takes a 'journey' to collect Pokemons then trains them using information learned in the game. The Pokemon brand has become much more than just a video game, there is a television program and many books to include graphic novels and beginning readers. Children are so immersed in the Pokemon world that they do not realize they are engaging in educational activities. Curriculum based on this model fits the idea of a Digital Native. It's hard to argue with this logic, "The goal of education is learning, and if gaming can help students learn more effectively, why aren't we doing it already?" So many students are bored with school or struggling. It would be great to have more techniques and lesson plans that excited the student about learning. Students are involved in these games, some on a daily basis at home. Being literate about gaming is another spoke in the wheel of being a Digital Native and part of what being literate means to this generation.

Prensky, M., (2001). Digital Native, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon, Vol. 9, No. 5. Retrieved from: https://liffey.sjsu.edu/section/default.asp?id=SUMMER_2010-SJSU-SLIS_74

Porcaro, J., (2010). The Pokemon Generation: Building Lesson Plans Around a Gaming Environment Creates Effective Learning. School Library Journal. Retrieved from: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/884750-312/the_pokemon_generation.html.csp

Countdown

Countdown
Mikaelsen, Ben
978078681208

What would it feel like to be the first junior astronaut and train with real astronauts at NASA and go on an actual space shuttle mission. That is exactly what happens to fourteen year old Elliot Schroeder. He leaves his home on a ranch in Montana and begins training with alternate Mandy Harris. Elliot's desire to be the first junior astronaut clouds his judgment and he makes some choices that are not positive. Ultimately through his relationship with Mandy and their shared experiences Elliot learns to be a team player. A highlight of the story is Vincent Ole Tome, a Maasi herder from Maasiland, Africa. Vincent and Elliot share many connections that culmination with their communication and final face to face meeting. The dual storyline adds meaning to the emotional changes that are happening as each boy is growing older and more independent. This book is great for boys or girls, it is adventurous, introspective and has three strong characters.

Boys' Quest

Boys' Quest magazine is a monthly themed periodical targeted to boys age 6 to 14. That is a really wide age span to cover. Usually what interests a 6 year old is quite different than what is of interest to a 14 year old. In my opinion much of the content will be above a 6 to 7 year olds head. The reading level of this magazine is 9 or 1o years old. A child who is younger will need the assistance of an adult or older child to enjoy the information and activities the magazine has to offer. With that said, many of the illustrations are targeted toward the younger ages. Even though the information and format is accessible and usable, the magazine needs to decide on a specific target group and focus on that. On the positive side, the periodical is a nice size. Measuring approximately 9 inches by 7 inches it is easy to hang onto and carry around. And, featured prominently on the first page is a statement of purpose explaining the goals of the publication. Whether they meet these goals is a matter of debate, but a magazine with such lofty goals is worth checking out.

American Girl Magazine

This is a quality magazine targeted towards girls ages 8 to 12. These magazines are full of contributions from its readers highlighting special skills or qualities. It is important for self esteem to feel like you have something to give and share. The pictures, stories and opinions from readers is one of the things that sets this publication apart from the rest of the pack. There is no emphasis on boyfriends or the best jeans for your butt. This is girlhood at its best. American Girl promotes friendship and self expression with issues full of craft ideas and projects. Advice given consists of how to deal with telling your friend you don't like their new shirt to babysitting tips. The American Girl brand is about more than selling dolls, although that is a big part. They have become a resource for girls and a cheerleader for good old fashioned girlhood.

Raleigh's Page

Raleigh's Page
Armstrong, Alan
9780375833199

Tradition and law requires that the first born son inherit from the father. This leaves daughters and later sons with a need to find a husband or a living. Andrew Saintleger is a second son who at eleven must find an apprenticeship. His father makes arrangements for Andrew to be a page in Sir Walter Raleigh's house. Author, Alan Armstrong gives a very sensitive portrayal of Andrew as he leaves all that he knows and travels far from home to live with strangers and prove that he is able and strong. Adventure eventually takes Andrew much farther than London as he is included in a voyage to the new world.
The author's research is exhaustive and impressive. He lists the primary source documents used for the book and bits of further historical information. This novel was engaging and exciting, I couldn't put it down.

All the Lovely Bad Ones

All the Lovely Bad Ones
Hahn, Mary Downing
9780547248783

Anne of Green Gables remarks that she likes to be "deliciously scared". All the Lovely Bad Ones provide an opportunity for readers to be just that. Corey and Travis, troublemakers by their own admission are sent to spend the summer with their Grandma at her bed and breakfast in the Vermont hills. After finding out some people think the inn is haunted, Corey and Travis stage a ghost sighting. Unfortunately, this little prank awakens the ghosts and they being to haunt the inn relentlessly. The inn has a tragic past and Corey and Travis will have to put an end to what they started. Mary Downing Hahn is a master story teller in this genre. She knows just how far to push without going over the edge. Whether you are a believer or not, this story will have you listening for bumps in the night and sleeping with a light on.

Lucky Breaks

Lucky Breaks
Patron, Susan
9781416939986

Susan Patron gives us another glimpse of Hard Pan, California, with it's population of 43. The desert surrounding Hard Pan is bleak and desolate, but the community is alive and loving and home to Lucky. Lucky is excited to turn eleven and knows an adventure just has to be around the corner. What Lucky really desires is a best friend. Yes, she has almost six year old Miles and knot master Lincoln, but a girl needs a girlfriend to whisper secrets and laugh at private jokes.
The birthday girl gets her wish when Paloma come to town to visit. Through Paloma's friendship Lucky learns to appreciate Miles and Lincoln. She also realizes that wishing for an adventure and the fulfillment of that adventure are not always the same. Sometimes we think people have changed, when actually we have grown and changed.

H. I. V. E.: The Overlord Protocol

H. I. V. E.: The Overlord Protocol
Walden, Mark
9781416935735

Otto Malpense and his three friends are back for another adventure. In a nice change of setting, the majority of this book takes place outside of H. I. V. E. The plot gets serious really fast as Otto's best friend Wing is murdered. Again the theme of a powerful youth prevailing in difficult circumstances is pervasive throughout the story. Building on the characters from the first book, a few take on a larger role and become more fully formed. Mark Walden gives us strong male and female characters allowing both boys and girls to connect to the story. The Overlord Protocol is shrouded in mystery. It was a form of artificial intelligence that went awry. As far as everyone knows the protocol was destroyed many years ago. But was it? And why is it important?

A Teen Remembers

A Teen's Take On Tween Online Communities is a refreshing article. So much of what I have been reading is based on experts, teachers, and psychologists telling me what is happening in the tween world. Now I've got it 'straight from the horse's mouth. Don't get me wrong, I value the professional opinions and research, but it's a good idea to go to the source. Julia, a freshman in high school is not long past tweendom, so her insights are especially relevant. And surprisingly, social networking is the thing.
Before Facebook and MySpace there is a myriad of websites that tweens can learn their social networking skills. Julia's explanation of how these younger social networking sites operate was very informative. I don't have much experience with them and after reading this article the allure is much clearer. "A player gets an avatar and a house, and then plays games to earn currency to purchase more outfits, and furniture. While this might sound boring to adults, it can be appealing for a child who doesn’t have real world purchasing power, especially when combined with addicting casual games." Sounds like Farmville on Facebook. So much of the tween discussion centers on purchasing power and marketing. Business have been vilified for their aggressive marketing to tweens, but now we see that they want to flex the purchasing power that they have. Tweens are bombarded with so much 'stuff'. They are told they need, can't live without certain things or they are not 'cool'. It is so important for parents to be involved. If a tween doesn't have that involved parent then hopefully another adult will step in the gap and help guide them through.
Back to Julia. Julia claims that no matter how many safeguards are put into place on these websites, tweens will find a way to push and bend the rules if they really want. I appreciate her honestly. It is like teens and driving. They know what the speed limit is, but they just have to push that boundary. For the most part, the majority of tweens are appropriately using social networking, just as many teens are safe drivers. Let's give our kids credit, they do a great job even though the media only reports the negative.

H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education

H.I.V.E. Higher Institute of Villainous Education
Walden, Mark
978416935711

A school that trains students to be either henchmen, techno savvy criminals, or crime bosses. This is Harry Potter, (Otto Malpense is an orphan) meets Artemis Fowl at Hogwarts, oops I mean H.I.V.E. That is not to say this book is not worth reading, it is, but the similarities are easy to spot.
How does a student end up at such a school? Good question. Many students are kidnapped or taken against their families wishes. Few are following in the family's footsteps and are actually sent by their parents. If a child shows 'potential' then he or she is sought out and brought to the school.
This story is lively and exciting.Otto makes friends with Wing, Shelby and Laura. Each with special talents that landed them a spot at H.I.V.E. Good children's fiction shows kids as powerful beings with the ability to work through obstacles and be successful. This success can be a physical challenge or personal growth for a character. This is the first book in a series of six and author Mark Walden does a great job setting the stage for further adventures.

Savvy

Savvy
Law, Ingrid
9780803733060

Turning 13 is never easy, bodies are changing, emotions are racing and the world becomes a different place. There is an added layer of complication for the Beaumonts. On their 13th birthday, they get their savvy.
Heartwarming and honest, this book chronicles Mibs Beaumont as she leaves childhood and enters the unknown territory of being a teenager. A savvy is a talent unique to each individual, but getting it can be complicated and dangerous. Mibs and her family are unsure what will happen on her 13th birthday. Unfortunately Mibs father is injured and her birthday is overshadowed by events out of her control. The physical journey Mibs, her brother and new friends embark on is parallel to the changes taking place inside. When the bus finally arrives at the hospital in Salina no one is the same.
This book full of a special kind of magic, but rooted in reality. Do savvys really exist? Do we each have a special gift or talent that makes us unique? Savvy reinforces the fact that we are all unique and gifted in our own way and can create our own brand of magic.

Tween Marketing

This article takes issue with the overt, pushy marketing towards children who are considered tweens, ages 8 to 12. The author states, "The marketing industry is forcing tweens to grow up quickly." I agree that tweens are the target of aggressive ad campaigns designed to convince them that something is cool and necessary, but isn't all marketing designed with the same goal in mind? It is hard to defend the enormous marketing machines, but no one is forced to open their wallets and hand over their money. Are parents the responsible party here? How do these 8 to 12 year olds get money? How do they get to the mall? If parents are not responsible they are at the very least complicit in the marketing machine by encouraging it's availability to their tweens.
Is there a bigger social issue here? Has the marketing industry forced it's toe into a crack of the family doorway? Families in the twenty first century are much different. Many tweens live in single family homes, a home with a step parent or with grandparents or other family members as a guardian. Divorce has left its mark on all of us and children are the least equipped to navigate this rocky road. Parents are working more hours and more jobs to make ends meet. It stands to reason that with these significant changes in our social fabric that cultural changes will follow as well. Tweens do grow up faster, many do not have the luxury of a lingering childhood.
Before we point our fingers at the obvious target, we need to take a look at other issues facing our tweens and support and care for them accordingly.
(2010). Special Issues for Tweens and Teens: The "Tween" Market. Retrieved from: http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/parents/marketing/issues_teens_marketing.cfm