Digital Native

What is a Digital Native? When my mother wants to watch T.V she has to ask me to help her. I know really?.. yes it's true something as simple as pressing a button confuses people that were raised in the era before television and cell phones. Being a digital native means being born into a digital world. My generation has always grown up with cell phones, computers, and other technology that enables them to have a very good, if not complete, understanding of the digital world. Older generations did not grow up in this digital world, so it is more difficult for them to adapt and change in this environment. Our parents, and others, would be considered digital immigrants.


Click here to watch a clip on technology challenged

To me being a digital native means that I was taught in my early elementary classes the skills needed to be successful in the new digital world. As early as kindergarten I was put on a computer and taught how to use the computer and I was even given quizzes on how to work certain programs. I never thought about how advanced my generation was compare to my parents and grandparents. As a continued to learn and inhabit these digital skills I realized that I knew how to run a computer better than my elders. I was the one who had to teach them how to open a new page on the internet, how to watch you tube videos, and as far as Myspace or Facebook I'm still working on that.

Click here to see a Digital Native child

Facebook is a whole different ball game for my parents. They are always asking who are these people?, how can you see what they're saying?, and why are they so publicly open? I know that if they opened a Facebook page they would be the ones to public send a message on my wall that they really meant to send in a private message. I would be completely embarrassed to see my parents created a profile and added friends and heaven forbid my friends! I realize that now children, parents, grandparents and even pets have Facebook, but I would be totally fine if my parents never make one of their own.

I have Facebook mom, click here to watch

What is Media Literacy?

Media Literacy is the ability to analyze and sift through the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day. Today our world runs on commercialism, globalization and interactivity. Media isn't about having the right answers it's about asking the right questions. Elizabeth Thoman, Founder and President, Center for Media Literacy states that there are three types of Media Literacy.The first stage is to become aware of the importance of managing one's media "diet". This means reducing the time we spend watching T.V, videos, games and other media print forms. Learning specific skills of critical viewing is the second stage. What is in the frame and how it is put together and what my have been left out is what we have to analyze and question. Interactive group activities or inquiry-based classes are the best way to learn the skills of critical viewing.The third stage explores deeper issues such as what is behind the frame? To become more Media Literate we must ask question like; who produces the media we are consumed in? who profits? who decides? and who loses? Mass media is what drives our global consumer economy. The National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) believes "being literate in a media age requires critical thinking skills that empower us as we make decisions, whether in the classroom, the living room, the workplace, the boardroom, or the voting booth." Media surrounds our day to day lives. We are the feeders of the media, we are the machine and the creators of Media Literacy.

Let's talk about... me!

Hey ya'll, my names Alexa. I'm what they call G.R.I.T.S(girl raised in the south). I was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia. Yes!, that's right the carpet capital of the world folks.Very frequently since having moved off to college I am told that I have a very strong southern accent. I was a Varsity Cheerleader in high school, a Drama dork and an Honors student. I maintained good grades in high school and strive to keep my 4.0 streak in college. I chose to attend Reinhardt because the campus is beautiful, I liked the friendly feel of a small university and most importantly they have a wonderful Communications department. I am very excited to jump into the opportunities Reinhardt has to offer. My plan is to major in Communications and work in Broadcasting. My highest goal or dream is to become a Broadcast Analyst. I also have a passion for music, I have been singing since I was about five. I have taken lessons in piano,vocal and guitar. I am considering a minor in Music but I am still undecided.