Towards the end of “The App Generation”, Howard Gardner offers a dire prediction; he compares our current obsession with apps as a gateway to the dystopian world envisioned in George Orwell’s 1984. Although Gardner does identify some positive characteristics within the app generation (collaboration and tolerance), he mostly identifies the negative consequences associated with technology use. Through his anecdotal research, Gardner identifies a generation that has a difficult time with commitment, a generation dependent on their devices, and a generation with difficult time determining their next steps. I frequently wonder if users of Uber would be able to find a ride without their phones. Gardner does notice some positive effects of “The App Generation”. This generation is more collaborative and more tolerant than previous generations. The question becomes, how do we mitigate some of these negative consequences? How do we encourage members of the “App Generation” (myself included) to be more thoughtful about their technology use and information consumption? Should “App Generation” members still be encouraged to learn to live life unplugged?
In addition to providing the reader with a nuanced analysis of the “App Generation”, the book can also serve as a guide for understanding the students in our classrooms. Gardner identifies characteristics that accurately describe the students we serve as educators. We need to provide opportunities for collaboration and technology use as these opportunities can play to the strengths of “The App Generation”. Educators should also be aware of the possible distractions that may befall “The App Generation”. Additionally, educators should be aware of the fact that assumptions can be harmful. Obviously, not every student will conform to the model proposed in “The App Generation”. It should be noted that students are used to the technology that they have in front of them, but, contrary to popular belief, not every student knows how to operate every technology tool that is placed in front of them. This is why software skills (ABCs of Activity) are so important.
I don’t think that “The App Generation” is inherently doomed as some suggest. All generations have challenges that need to be handled, and “The App Generation’s” dependence on technology is no different. While mindfulness about technology is something that needs to be promoted with members of “The App Generation”, there is no reason to believe that the issues cannot be solved. Ultimately, educators should take the lead when it comes to educating “The App Generation” about the shortcomings of technology.
I agree most with Gardner's points about social media. It is so easy to be on Facebook looking at other people's posts and seeing their lives, and thinking, wow, where did I go wrong? But the reality is that people only post their best things--best pictures, best posts, cool adventures they are on. But this certainly does lead to the anxiety that Gardner described!
ReplyDeleteWith the many cons, there certainly are some pros to the apps. They do make our lives easier in many ways--easy to get directions, easy to get the weather, easy to keep up with our favorite sports team. But all that being connected can get exhausting! I think our big takeaway from the book is that we teach a group of students who have been app-dependent as far back as they can remember. We must find ways to use these apps to enhance our content, and teach our children to use these apps appropriately.