How can you move away from something that has filled our lives from beginning to end, from the start of the day to the end? Technology is something that needs to be embraced, yet we need to find a balance. Is this an impossible task? The purpose of technology for everyone will be different, and would be apparent if you ask what technology means to different generations.
My students lives in what would be called an era of technology. They have not experienced life without it. They do not know a life without computers, videogames, or cell phones. On the flip side, if you talk with these students grandparents or even parents could tell you what it was like BCP – before cell phones. There are some of this generation that have embraced technology and then there are others that still refuse to accept. I too am guilty of refusing, for some aspects of technology, even though I am a computer technology teacher. I see the importance of educating myself and my students in new computer programs and updated computer equipment. I am just lacking in the technology part including IPODS, IPADS, and even Facebook. In regards to Facebook, I didn’t have a profile until just about a year ago, it seemed like it was the last thing I wanted to do after I got home from a day of teaching technology all day. I would have to say now though, I don’t know what it would be like without it, kind of the same way I feel about my cell phone I guess. As far as the IPOD, I guess maybe I am just too cheap; my $20 MP3 Player does just fine.
So is the reason for refusing to accept the new forms of technology the fear of change and being bad at something, not knowing how to use it. People don’t want to use or buy into what they don’t understand or know; or is the reason we are just satisfied with what we have and see no need for technology updates. For me, new forms of technology and the use of them are inevitable, it just some may take me longer to accept.
Wow, once again it comes back to balance. Our students need to be literate in the world of technology. I too have a thing about being one who does not immediately embrace technology (just ask my facebook friends that were sent friend requests on scrolls of papyrus) but we also need to remember those things that make us human. Our needs to communicate, to love, to touch, and to explore, learn and adapt based on our environment. Maybe our theme for this summer should be based on the balancing stones article.
ReplyDeleteYeah, there does need to be a balance and like you said it will be different for everyone. I think that a big reason younger people are more up today is the cell phone and iPod have been a status symbol and marketers now this and market the products accordingly. Some students judge others based on these devices just as they judge people on the clothing wear or car they drive.
ReplyDeleteI agree...there needs to be balance. I too am fighting getting a facebook account, and refuse to have internet access on my phone. Sometimes I feel like an old lady though...everyone else has these great things and loves them, and I DO see the importance of understanding how to use and staying up-to-date with all the new technology, but really....when does it stop? I don't want to sound crabbby but I DON'T want people to know my every move and be able to get ahold of me at any moment they choose. But...when everyone else has facebook and internet phones, I seem to be the one out of the loop sometimes and just a step behind, relying on those who have the technology, to keep me informed. It is a true balance.
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