TASK: How is written and visual language used to attempt to persuade readers to share the point of view of the writer of Meanwhi
le, Back in the Real World ? Meanwhile, Back in the Real World Dump your iPods, get off the net, throw your mobiles away, and start living in the real world, kids. So say the doomsayers, and, of course, pollsters like TruBlu. The fact is this technology is the real world now for many of today's youth. Most people over 50 are startled by kids talking on mobiles, kids with ears connected to MP3s, kids texting every few minutes and tapping away on tablets. But to say that this technology causes isolation from the real world and lack of general knowledge is ridiculous. Technology such as the Internet deepens and broadens the minds of all those who use it. The TruBlu poll surveyed 220 people in the suburbs of Melbourne. Which suburbs? This would have made a difference to results. And why just Melbourne? It’s impossible to generalise about teenagers from such a small sample. Of course, teenagers are more interested in listening to music or talking to friends on their mobiles than reading newspapers or watching TV current affairs. This is a clear example of their sociability, not an indication that they prefer dumb isolation. Are many TV current affairs shows really about current affairs or serious issues? Aren't they just a form of infotainment? Avoiding them might just as likely be a sign of taste and intelligence? Because a teenager has not been following political debates does not mean that he or she is out of touch with reality. Isn't it obvious that the survey was just another attempt to put young people down? The poll was designed to generate a bad picture of teenagers, i.e., show their ignorance. It’s easy to create polls like this. Lazy even. Which is ironic, as that is what most parents accuse teenagers of being. So, parents, answer me this. Can you bear now to leave your mobile at home when you go out? It is a boon for all sorts of reasons - ordering the takeaway; telling family you're held up on the train or in traffic; calling for Dad or Mum or brother to pick you up. Is this social isolation? Is this lack of awareness? Hardly. Mobile phones have brought a sense of personal and social connectedness that makes the world a safer, as well as a more interesting, place for everybody, especially young people. A comprehensive report of the uses of technology in schools, conducted by the Sydney Morning Herald, found that: 'Today's school students are downloading homework on iTunes, listening to lessons via podcasts, communicating with other students all over the world through social networking sites, and even video conferencing with leaders of business and industry.' ('Technology in the Classroom', Kelli Cambourne, Sydney Morning Herald, 19 January 2010) This is hardly creating social isolation. An impressive educational development in the last few years is the way in which technology has been integrated into Australian classrooms. Through technology and a wide range of teaching methods, the learning programs of students have been greatly enhanced. A view of typical classrooms (pictured) shows a learning situation that is using technology within a collaborative classroom discussion, a social situation for meaningful learning, both social and academic, in which students are enthusiastic and active participants. If you want to ban technology in the classroom, you are not living in the 21st century. Many human beings have an innate fear of change, especially the advent of new technology. In the past, we have feared the printing press, newspapers, credit cards, novels, movies, computers and even television as potential destroyers of our culture, our way of life, our kids' futures. The ancient philosopher Socrates warned against writing because it would 'create forgetfulness in the learners' souls, because they will not use their memories.' In the early 20th century, radio arrived and was accused of destroying reading among children and distracting them from their homework. With television, more recently, the fears went much further, accusing TV of damaging radio, reading, conversation, family life and national culture. There is no objective, medical evidence to support any of these fears. Plenty of anecdotes, but no hard evidence. So, the next time you want to attack teenagers for using technology, try clicking refresh instead and realise they are actually the ones thoughtfully and socially taking us into the future.
