Cell Phone BannedWagon
My perspective on this debate: The cell phone ban does not affect my professional life; however, I do have children in the K-12 system, so this cell phone ban bandwagon is of interest to me personally.
Cell phone “bannedwagon”.
Cell phone bans in schools are trending at the moment. Seven provinces implemented a cell phone policy in 2024, with Manitoba strengthening its existing policy. Most of the policies have a form of educational purposes as an exception, but from what I am hearing from teachers in these classrooms, this exception is not yet being used. The common rationale from the provinces for the ban is to decrease distraction and increase focus in the classroom. From what I can source, other support for these bans comes from the idea that cell phones in schools affect academic performance, are linked to mental health issues, increase disruptive classroom behaviours, and increase the digital divide. Empirical evidence from cell phone bans in France and the UK points to improved classroom behaviour, academic outcomes, and greater social interaction in schools.
These arguments appear to make sense and the results seem promising. If simply removing the offender from the situation improves all of the above, how easy it is to simply remove it from the equation? Let’s call this Side A.
Textbook for Crochet?
As detailed in my previous post, I am comfortable that I have all the supplies required to learn to crochet. Well, perhaps not the coordination, but we will see how that goes. As much as I want to jump in and start making those cute little critters just waiting to be created, I know I need to approach this learning project with intention and patience.
I decided to start with a very simple crochet project – a dishcloth.
Social Media Reflections from a Gen X’er
I have a fascination with generations, what shapes them, and how they interact with each other. Reflecting on social media illustrates these well.
As a solid Gen X’er, I grew up in a digital-free world, unless you count my digital watch. It was the early days of mainstream use of computers. My memories include the Tandy TRS80 my dad bought for the family (fun fact TRS stands for Tandy Radio Shack). This computer used the Tandy CCR (Computer Cassette Recorder) to store the digital data and I have memories of storing Frogger over top of my Prince mixed tape. If you are interested, I found a video showing my family’s exact setup. I also remember that the typing classroom in high school used MacIntosh computers. Full disclosure I graduated from High School in 1990. I did not take typing as I was going to be a scientist and didn’t think it was a skill I would need. (I’ve never claimed to have great foresight).
Learning Project – Amigurumi
I never imagined that my graduate studies would lead me to learn crochet.
As someone who has always loved crafts of all kinds, I’ve explored a wide variety over the years. Years ago, I tried knitting, and my early attempts were far from perfect. The scarf I made for my then-boyfriend was so tightly knit that it could double as a neck brace, and the blanket I completed was crooked with various-sized holes. However, I like to think these “imperfections” add a handmade charm that reflects the love and effort behind them.