I have just read this post on msn and thought that I would share it. http://www.sync-blog.com/sync/2009/02/is-the-internet-rewiring-our-kids-brains.html Now there is not much evidence to back up this statement but I thought it would be a good article for feedback and comments.
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Hey Jackie,
In response to the article, especially the tagline, “exposure to computer games, instant messaging, chat rooms and social networking sites could leave a generation with poor attention spans,” I think that more evidence does need to be provided before anyone can make such allegations as to how technology can force children’s brains go back into an infant-like state. According to Prensky’s research, such exposure to video/computer games, instant messaning, chat rooms, social networking, etc. is in fact a different style of thinking: “People who grow up in different cultures do not just think about different things, they actually think differently.” I truly believe this statement because my cultural background is different from that of mainstream society. That is just only one explanation Prensky gives on how “digital natives” think differently. He also writes about neuroplasticity (the reorganization of the brain based on the input it receives) and attention-spans. If you want to read more on this topic, read these two articles by Marc Prensky:
Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf
Do They Really Think Differently?
http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part2.pdf
I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read Marc Prensky’s articles, thanks to a comment made on my blog. Isn’t that one of the wonderful benefits of social-networking? I don’t think I’m forcing my brain to an infant-like state, do you?
Thanks Grace! And NO I don’t think you are forcing your brain to an infant-like state ha ha! I will definitely check out the articles by Marc Prensky.