Stacey called our attentions to this interesting read from a recent Huffington Post."....one issue is slipping through the cracks, the consequences of which not only impacts our kids' education, but every aspect of their lives. Schools are lobbying for students' attention by embracing technology in ever increasing ways. This is the moment, however, to pause and consider whether we want to sacrifice our kids' last remaining hours of non-screen time by incorporating Facebook, iPads, and other devices into the curriculum."
Technology and schools: Should we add more or pull the plug?
I agree! This article spoke to me both as a teacher and a parent of two young girls. My third grader asked me for an iTouch for Christmas...what!? I asked her why, and she said she thought it would be more fun than a book in the airport or while waiting at soccer games for her younger sister. I asked, why more fun? She replied that with an iTouch, "You don't really have to think."
ReplyDeleteThese two women are accurate in their suppositions that the lack of human interactions will result in children not being able to slow down and enjoy or appreciate individual moments.
As teachers we should make sure we are tempering our use of technology with equal time interacting with others and using imagination.
Well said, Amy. Children and adults need to balance screen time with sunshine, online networking with face-to-face conversations, tv with books, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe arguement may be that kids need to learn the latest technology in order to compete as adults. But I think that we need to prepare kids to function whether or not they have an electronic source to plug in to.
I admit being one of the masses who sends an extreme number of text messages, compelled by compulsive urges. And, I love it. My cell phone feels like a little sister, a pet, a best friend. (Well, other phones have felt more so... I haven't bonded as strongly with this particular model.) However, I am careful not to be anti-social or unhealthy about it.
As a health issue, I am very concerned about screen time. Studies have been showing for decades that too much time staring at tvs and computers is not good for the eyes or the brain. I have also read that cell phones kept on the body could cause cancer, and that pregnant women who hold a cell phone to their ear for a certain amount of time a day run the risk of causing emotional disturbance in their children, later in life. (!)
From a Special Ed standpoint, I am wary of devices for students to rely wholly on if there is still hope that they can learn to "walk without a crutch." Technology may help scaffold certain lessons and empower a disabled person to do things he or she might not be able to do without it. Yet, the importance of balance is always there, and teachers should not ever rely totally on technology.
Oh! And how about kids watching dvds on road trips!? I don't have kids to deal with on long car rides, but to me it seems just wrong not to watch the world out the window as you whiz by.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit to having the DVD player out every time I fly with my daughter (who is 5 now), but otherwise, there is a pretty strict "no technology while traveling" rule in effect. It scares me to be driving through town and see kids watching a DVD as if they can't live without TV between home and the grocery store. Once again, I guess it is all about balance and moderation, in life and also in the classroom. Technology when it is of benefit, but not to just pander to my students' desire to be ever connected...
ReplyDeleteIn moving to a town off the road system in Alaska from Wisconsin, I wasn't sure what to expect from my students in regards to knowledge of technology. I have found that none of my students have the internet and one has a computer at home. Some do have an iPod or a hand-held gaming system, but that is about it. I have found myself having to teach a lot of the skills that I took for granted when I taught in Wisconsin.
ReplyDeleteOut in Twin Hills, I have found using technology is more of a benefit rather than a hindrance, as it is something new for my students and truly engages them.
I have to admit I am more "old school" than new. It drives my crazy to see my children wasting their time with electronics. I am pretty strict about their screen time (nothing during the week) but given the chance they go right to it. Now that my son is 13, he pulls out the itouch at the most inappropriate (in my eyes) times and just when I am ready to say put it away, I look around and it seems that everyone (adults and children) are engaged with some sort of advice. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteMeghan, what do you hear about the protests in Wisconsin? I think it's great those teachers are holding the line.
ReplyDeleteTechnology! Kids!
ReplyDeleteHave you seen many people under the age 25 wearing a wrist watch? Not too many. None! It is considered to be a "single function device", thus not worthy of being used.
I recommend watching Sir Ken Robinson's "talk" on www.ted.com/talks/Sir-Ken. Fascinating ideas!
Use of technology in my classroom depends upon the level of the student and what is useful, what will be abused, what will be used appropriately, what will aide the success of that student after graduation, what makes the student feel and appear to be “normal” and what is a way to communicate when verbal communication is so difficult.
ReplyDeleteExamples of students
1. Student was dangerous- school/guardian/foster parents needed to take the computer and cell phone away 24/7 due to stalking inappropriately. He was able to cross the line through technology.
2. Student had speech appraxia so bad that people couldn’t understand them. Texting worked.
3. Student loved to communicate and feel part of the community but people were distant. Face Book worked as did email. Both were included in his IEP goals and objectives.
4. Student was so disorganized. Cell phone calendar and notebook worked. Parents also wanted to keep in touch with the student that was also hearing impaired and the phone vibrator was a way to find them when voice didn’t work. Cell phone was put in the IEP.
5. Student that was academically very low but wanted to appear “normal” wanted an IPod and phone. The phone was lost because only used as a watch but the IPod has managed to stay with him for 3 years. No goals were written because he was socially capable to get help from friends and family.
6. One student’s parents did not want her using any technology except the computer. They do not own a working computer at home. They have taught their children that Face Book, Twitter and other social networking are banned because they are dangerous.
We do occasionally use UTube when special events might lead to a discussion in our class. It is often difficult to open up a class discussion time because of all the communication limitations we face each student.
Personally, I feel it is very important to teach writing and Microsoft Word on a computer to all my students. We use Dragon Speak, Intellikeys and regular typing key board. Everything else depends upon on the personal needs of each absolutely different case that I work with. Maybe I am old fashioned, but it seems to meet the needs of my kids.