Profiling Students in the 21st Century

Demographic Profile for 21st Century Students

Introduction

On February 5,2010, I conducted an interview with 3 Junior High School students in

Japan to obtain feedback about their use of technology. But the primary reason for

the interview was to be able to have first-hand knowledge of how to use the new

technology, Podcast. Simultaneously, I conducted a survey in an attempt to gain

some insight into the amount of time students interact with technology and the

types of technology they use at home and school.

Results
Interview

Three students were interviewed, two girls and one boy. A total of ten questions

were given and the responses varied. Two girls used the Internet to surf the web

while the boy used the cell phone as the technology they used the most. However,

two students said the technology they used the most was exciting while the other

said it was useful. Two students said they used technology the most in social

studies while the other student said she used technology in art class. Some of the

technologies that students use at home include, computer, TV, electronic

dictionary, video recorder, digital cameras, DVD players, cell phones and video

games. One student used her favourite technology (electronic dictionary) everyday

for one hour. Another student used the computer as her favourite technology

everyday for two hours. Finally, the other student used the computer as his

favourite technology everyday for about two hours. Students were asked which

technology makes learning more interesting and the responses were, TV, electronic

dictionary and multimedia device. Interestingly, students revealed that the

technology they would like to have at home would be iPod, multimedia device and

cellular phone.


Questionnaires

The interview was conducted among seventeen seventh graders who study English.

These students were selected based on availability of the teacher to translate the

content with the students. 90% of these students used the iPod the most at home

everyday for about two hours. More boys used video games as their favourite

technology while the girls used the TV as one of their favourite technology. 100%

of the students use the computer in Information Technology class with the teacher’s

help. Also, students can listen to CD player during lessons for English classes

whenever the Assistant Language teacher is absent. 85% of the students think the

technology they use the most is exciting while the other 15% said they used the

technology because it is popular. There was 100% response that computer makes

learning more interesting.


Value of the Exercise

The Podcast exercise was rewarding for me as well as my students. The initial

process to download the software audacity was not as challenging as exporting the

audio file to Podbean. Nevertheless, I was able to complete it though there was one

mishap. I set the timer for the designated 5 minutes but the final student did not

have the opportunity to share his two last questions. Considering Japanese students

are very busy, I could not redo the interview because he had an appointment.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Dr. Wolsey for his guidance in completing this assignment. I

also extend thanks to the Japanese teachers for helping to translate the

questionnaire so students to could understand. Special thanks also to my students

who took the time out of their busy schedule to participate in this assignment. The

support was tremendous and I have been more enlightened about another 21st century

tool which can be used effectively as a new teaching tool that can help to enhance

learning and student performance.


The following is the link to the Podcast. As you listen, I hope you will find it

as interesting as it was creating it. Thank you.

http://kerryk.podbean.com/