I love using technology in day to day life. I think it is best when I am discussing a topic with friends and a question comes up. It is so easy to use a smart phone to search for the answer to the question, which usually sparks a new debate. This is a great benefit of technology--I suppose this makes me a part of the culture that loves having a ton of information available at their fingertips.
As with TV, magazines, and newspapers, using technology can consume a lot of unproductive time. There are shows and articles that do not have any benefit to the reader, other than some form of entertainment. However, there are a lot of opportunities to view/read engaging information, and this is what I like to do. Using technology, TV, and newspapers/magazines to learn things that I am curious about is a benefit to me (the newspapers and magazines I view are mostly online).
The ease of use and availability of technology can sometimes be frustrating. Though I really like using it, I do appreciate time for family, friends, and meaningful conversation. I become very irritated when someone I am talking to uses his or her phone in the middle of a conversation or while out at dinner. There is definitely a balance, which can be hard or easy to find depending on your expectations and the expectations of those you are with.
Taisia
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your blog post I was thinking what in the world did we do before cell phones can about? Students will ask me questions sometimes I cannot answer so the first thing I say “Ask Google”. It is such a great tool to have at hand. I read so much more as an educator because of the easy to access magazines and articles in my content area of science. I coach in the afternoons so sitting in gyms and stadiums for hours allow me to read, or search topics instead of caring tons of books with me.
I agree with you on family time. I make sure we sit down and have conversations during dinner. Every good thing must be a balance. Kids today think if they do not have their phones in their hand the world is going to stop revolving. I wish that all parents would be mindful of the time some kids spend on their phones.
I saw a first grader this week with a phone texting and I asked if it was her sister’s phone which was older and she was quick to tell me that was her phone. Wow!! How young is too young for a phone? I guess parents need to make that decision carefully for their children.
Thanks
Beverly
First, I love that you read more because there is such easy access to good content. I think I do this as well, and I love being able to look things up online. Second, you asked how young is too young for a cell phone. I like to think middle school is an appropriate time for a cell phone. Up until then, I think parents should be able to monitor their child's communication--once in middle school it is normal for things to become more private. Not to say that parents and their kids can't talk, but I think a private form of communication is appropriate in middle school! (Disclaimer: I am not a parent.)
DeleteHi Tai,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your technology use and have to agree! I love having “debates” and being able to find out who is right or look information up on my iPhone right away. However, as I was writing that sentence, I thought, wow my children will grow up being able to find anything out at the press of a button…they will not have to go to a library or use the Dewey decimal system like I did as a child. I guess technology really does have both positive and negative sides! I also agree that technology can be a great time waster. I must admit I mindlessly look at Facebook when I could be doing way more productive things.
I also agree that there is a balance to technology use…it is rude to be on your phone while trying to have a face-to-face conversation with someone. I personally am thankful for technology as it allows me to complete my education online at my own pace with my own schedule and it also permits me the ability to work from home and stay with my new baby. Thanks again for your insights on technology use!
Rachel--
DeleteDo you think that libraries will become less significant? You said that your child will be able to look everything up instantly--but what if he or she was looking for a particular book and needed to get it from the library? Do you think the librarian will be the only person who knows how to use the Dewey Decimal System? Thanks for sharing this thought!
Hi Taisia,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your opening statement of being with a group and quickly researching something with ease thanks to smart phones. Very convenient for knowledge, but not always the purveyor of wisdom as our age is the age of knowledge but not wisdom. I do see some of the benefits of all the forms of communication that we are surrounded with daily, as using these can keep the individual informed of what is happening around them, and in areas they are not directly in access of. I like how you mentioned tech use can spark curiosity at this is one of the best ways to lead someone to the learning process. As a high school science teacher student curiosity in the subject is crucial for the best understanding of concepts. I agree with your last statements where technology can be great, but it does not replace vital human contact and meaningful interaction. About a week ago I observed a family while out to dinner all dotteling on their phones while eating together, interestingly enough one of the children even had in ear buds while on their device, I assume listening to music, or maybe just wanting to be that much more separated from his immediate group. All this to say it was very sad. Thank you again for your post.
Serving in Christ,
Thomas Walls
Thomas--Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate learning a little more about the opposite end of the education spectrum since I am way down in kindergarten.
DeleteI agree it is sad that a family out to dinner did not interact--I hope this is not a trend!
Tai