In reading The App Generation and thinking mainly about my students (all ages 10-12), I kept coming back to the idea that each generation "pioneers" something and the pioneers are the ones that find out what works and what doesn't. We are pioneers of adding technology to what we grew up with - landlines, dial-up-internet. My students are pioneers of (they are the first generation to experience) to grow up totally online.
Today's adults did stupid stuff, but as someone in class mentioned this week, those embarrassing naked baby pictures and other proofs are hidden away in Mom's attic. My students don't know what it's like to not have control over photographs and videos of themselves because we don't really know what it's like to grow up like that. Sure, people have gotten in trouble for sending inappropriate snapchats or posting pictures on Facebook with alcohol. But I feel like a 10 year old doesn't quite grasp how big of a deal it is to portray yourself in a certain manner online.
One of my students needs a little extra guidance in life and often comes to eat lunch with me. The other day he asked me if I ever lie. I told him the truth, yes, but we had a good talk about the consequences. It had nothing to do with the internet, but it was a big reminder that my students need as much guidance as they can when it comes to doing the right thing. I think of them as "big kids" because they are the oldest in the school, but they haven't necessarily had enough experiences to understand the consequences of their actions.
This was a very rambly post and I hope it made sense. The main point is that apps are here, whether we like it or not, and it's our job as reasonable people to guide our students and remind them of how important their choices are.
