Week 11: Adolescent Interview

I interviewed my 12 year old nephew, who is in the 7^th grade, at a public suburban school in Greece, NY.

His main interaction with technology is through his iPhone (which he has had since 5^th grade) and the family computer at home. He uses his phone a lot more than the computer, I’m assuming because it’s easily accessible; it’s always in his back pocket. I found it interesting that he preferred to call and text certain people (call parents; text friends) even though he really wasn't sure why. I was also shocked that he had not personally experienced or knew of anyone else that experienced any type of cyber bullying. Although I don’t completely believe this is true, I think he possibly wouldn't want to share that information with me because he doesn't necessarily know where I stand as far as what I will share with his mother.

I also thought it was interesting that his parents did not have the login information to his Instagram account and that they don’t even follow him or look at it. As a parent, I would certainly discuss privacy and responsibility but I would definitely be following the site and periodically checking in to hold him accountable. I can understand if he uses the site socially with friends and I would probably make an arrangement that I wouldn't post anything because I don’t want to embarrass him but I need to be able to see what’s going on. 

In addition, I was not surprised in regards to his feelings about technology at his school. Like most schools, he is not allowed to use the computers without specific guided instruction and no social media is allowed. He also said he would like to use more technology in his school than just when they have a specific assignment that requires it.

I think it would certainly be beneficial for schools, especially middle and high schools, to conduct similar interviews to at least find out where their students are in regards to their relationships with technology. I also think that schools are going to need to become more knowledgeable in the area of technology and become more adept at providing authentic learning opportunities that involve different types of technology.