Voices of Youth Today

Technology, and Learning: Opportunities for Educators and Future Employers

If educators demonstrate excitement in including technology into the classroom then students will develop an interest in the learning process and become willing to connect the classroom materials in many relevant ways. While using technology, students will become empowered and have the opportunity to become autonomous, competent, and related. For example, in the video "Technology, and Learning: Opportunities for Educators and Future Employers" High School freshmen speak out about how technology is a main aspect of their life and how they view learning in the formal school setting. One student stated, "You're texting, you're listening to music, you're watching tv, you're listening to background noise. If they are lecturing a lot it kinda really sucks because your used to doing ten things at once. Everything is in slow motion. The day could be so much quicker if we emailed the information or texted it." These students are providing educators with the insight as to how this generation of students learn. This generation of students can be referred to as Generation Net or Generation X. These students do not know a life without technology and multi-tasking is vital part of their lives. Due to their dependence on technology, these students mentioned that lecturing is boring and slow. They also discussed the importance of having visual and live examples that provide meaning and relevance. One girl even said that "You memorize things a lot easier when you have a happy memory behind it." "Students are more likely to pay attention, to learn, and to remember events, images, and readings that provoke a strong emotional response such as excitement, sadness, or anger (Alexander & Murphy, 1998; Cowley & Underwood, 1998). As these students are provided with the technology that they are used to and relevant materials, they will be able to reach the "big three" described by Deci and Ryan. Students will be provided with the opportunity to become autonomous by opening an environment of choices, they will be able to become competent by enabling them with the skills to access the knowledge and they will be able to relate by connecting with others either in the classroom setting or through using technology. As an educator, I believe it is extremely important to become aware of each generations interests and talents because they are constantly changing. Educators must not be afraid to relate with the young people within their classrooms and they must be able to incorporate their interests into the learning process. Educators must also key into student's learning styles and provide some meaning behind the material. It is essential to allow the students to relate and make meaning out of the content which in turn will create emotions and hopefully enhance the learning process.

Is Anybody Listening? A testament by Village Academy High School students on the economic crisis

If educators provide an outlet for students students who are being affected by the economic crisis then the students will be able to come together as a community and work in a group environment towards solving the problems that exist and to build a better world as a whole. For instance, throughout the video "Is Anybody Listening" students at Village Academy High School are sharing their own personal stories and discussing the difficulties that they have to face day in and day out. Educator, Michael Steinman, has provided these students who are facing terrible struggles to speak from their hearts and let their thoughts and emotions come out truthfully and freely. One student, Martissa, said "I see my mom struggling, and I can't do anything about it. I want to help her but she just wants me to focus on school. I can't focus on school when I know that she is struggling. It's just really hard." Steinman stresses the importance of allowing these students to come together in order to work collectively in order to defeat these problems and build for a brighter future. In reference to these students, Maslow would recognize that their basic needs of safety, security, and belonging are not being met. Therefore, they are not able to reach the needs higher in the Hierarchy of Needs. Outside of the classroom environment these students are continually struggling and their basic needs are not being met at all. Therefore, they are unable to achieve a high rate of success within the classroom. As an educator, I believe that it is essential to become aware of your students life outside of school. Students are not always facing a picture perfect reality and it is our duty to recognize the struggles they face are real. I also believe that is is important to provide students with an outlet. Students need to come together and realize that they are not in it alone. Often times, it is comforting to come to the realization that you are not the only one facing a set of high obstacles. It is vital for educators to provide some sort of support group for students to work together and try to find a solution for these tough times.

Gay Camp: Helping Youth Feel Safe and Supported

If educators provide students with caring and safe relationship and learning environment then students will have the opportunity to build confidence and feel good about themselves and realize that they can be who they are. The video "Gay Camp: Helping Youth Feel Safe and Supported" describes the Camp Fryerfly for Gay Youth. This camp is located in Canada and allows gay youth to build esteem, confidence and network throughout their summer stay there. The founder, Kris Wells, mentions that the youth is provided with the tools to "make their own inner light shine bright in dark times." The youth are able to share their common experiences that they have encountered while growing up. The camp brings in prominent community leaders to share their own experiences and become a role models for these youngsters. Carl Swanson, a camper, said, "It's incredible to see these people in person and realize that they have become successful and used their sexual identity to do some good with it." Noddings would recognize that this camp is providing relational and idealized caring. The camp is providing an essential framework for learning and in the end the community leaders and camp leaders are increasing their own competency. As an educator, I must always remember to develop a caring relationship with my students. It is important for me to realize that I cannot just say that I am going to do so but I also must express my concern and desire to understand my students. It is essential that my students respond in to my actions in some sort of observable manner in order for me to realize that it is indeed a true caring relationship.