Appalachian Youth and Digital Technologies

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Access

The case studies prepared by my classmates make it clear that digital technologies are becoming easily accessible and affordable to average to high income families and those who fall in between. Because of that, we are seeing children of various ages, from 9 to 17 who own tech tools or have daily and immediate access to gaming systems, iPods, laptops and more.

Examples: 

• 9 Year Old Avery - Average Income - Computer, iPod, iPad Touch, Wii
• 10 Year Old Heidi - Middle Class - iPod, Laptop, DSI (and others)
• 13 Year Old "Jane" - High Socio Economic Status - Laptop, iPod, iPad (and others) 
• 14 Year Old Wyatt - Average Income - iPod, Computer
• 17 Year Old Breanna - Middle Class - Computer  

Those examples indicate teachers in Appalachia can assume many of the students in their class come to school with at least some access to digital media technologies.

Ability 

Of the examples above, case study authors found, more often than not, students seem to have an natural instinct to navigate and operate their high tech tools.  For instance, Wyatt said he learned by "just getting on and messing around".  When Breanna and Heidi haven't been comfortable learning on their own, they have both relied on siblings to advise them in using various applications.  Still, Heidi found it difficult to explain how she learns to play new games.  Avery told his case study author he "just wanted to try new things" and experiments on his own when he doesn't rely on tips from friends.

Those examples seem to indicate many Appalachian children come to school with more than a base knowledge of how to use digital media.  And, even if they don't kids appear willing to help each other which could save time for teachers trying to put new tools to use and maximize time in doing so.

Adapting

Appalachian children featured in the case studies prove they will adapt to the latest trend.  Wyatt, Avery, and Heidi are just a few who can't stop playing Minecraft.  The popular structure-building game seems to be popular with both boys and girls and among a wide range of ages.  In social media, the latest games seeing widespread use among adults are just as popular with students.  For instance, Heidi and "Jane" both play Candy Crush Saga, a simple, but competitive matching game sometimes described as addictive. 

Teachers in Appalachia who can work trending games and applications into their curriculum should see no trouble with students adapting to them and becoming players who are simultaneously learning.