Adolescents in the Internet Age

The tools of communication technology have transformed socialization and education of adolescents. They are the first generation to be growing up with the Internet, cell phones, iPods, computers, electronic hand helds and satellite television. Building friendships and social networks are common experiences online. Most teenagers prefer the Internet as the main source of learning. Because students know things that are unknown to teachers, their traditional relationship can shift to provide greater benefit for both parties if they pursue reciprocal learning. This book introduces a new set of core topics to reflect current conditions of the adolescent environment instead of life in yesterday’s world. The discussion shows how the Internet can be used to practice skills needed for learning and working in the future. Visual intelligence and media literacy are essential for critical thinking. Creative thinking should be encouraged in classrooms and become a more common outcome of schooling. Social maturity can improve when networking includes interaction with adults as well as peers. Prevention of cheating and cyber abuse presents unprecedented challenges. Understanding sexuality, nutrition, exercise, and stress contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Teamwork skills, peer evaluation, and exercises for cooperative learning groups are presented. Classroom applications address the practical concerns of teachers. The book is organized in four domains of identity, cognitive, social, and health expectations. Each chapter includes student polls to assess conditions of learning and websites that augment the book content. The target audience is prospective teachers, inservice teachers, and school administrators studying adolescent development on campus and by distance learning.