My day in the life right now looks very different than when I am working. Today, I use technology minimally. My most used tool is my phone. When I have time in the morning I will check my messages (often responding days or weeks later). Other than texting, I use snapchat and FaceTime, to connect with others. I do not have games on my phone but will scroll social media (instagram, facebook) periodically (but rarely post/comment).
We are typically up and out of the house either for a walk, workout, coffee with family or friends early – gotta love 8 am play dates!! When my son naps I am either doing things for school, cleaning, showering, cooking or other household things. Sometimes I will sit and scroll on my phone. Tiktok would be my main form of entertainment on my phone.
Throughout the day I rarely have the TV on. Typically will only turn on the t.v to listen to music and that is very seldom. I try to stay away from technology as much as possible right now, especially while my son is awake. I currently do not even have a computer and so I only use my moms computer when doing assignments for classes. Now that it is nice we try to go to the farm or the lake as much as possible and the service is less than decent.
My use of technology when teaching is very different. I use technology quite a bit when working. I am a connected educator and so a lot of my day does involve computers but try and incorporate as much hands-on as possible. I am not very “techy” and I enjoy learning with my students. When teaching we do a lot with how to type, formatting, how to research, etc. There are many apps we explore together including quizzlet, blooket, StoryBoard That, Sound Trap, FlipGrid. My students do research projects for art, science, social, religion, and ELA. When creating their projects they explore different presentation apps (powerpoint, canva, prezi). I always get excited when students explore on their own and we learn how to use new apps together. We do a lot of work on the projector – watching videos, pulling up assignments, listening to music, etc). I also teach them how to use emails (how to write an email, how to attach documents etc). I work in a community where a lot of students do not have access to computers (or only use them for gaming) so a lot of work is done exploring and learning how to appropriately use them. I use a lot of videos to aid in my teaching.
As I typed this, I realized how disconnected I am, but in all honestly, the summertime is when I recharge and relax and I really do love being away from technology. Especially being a new mom, I find that my mind would go to mush if I was consumed with it.
Hi Chloe!
I agree with the statement that students do not know how to use computers properly. The last 3 years I have taught Grade 3 and before I would allow them to use an iPad, they had to practice typing on paper keyboards so they could be use to what a keyboard looked like. They also would follow along with my computer on the screen, we would make up names for them to be able to reference when I am not able to walk them through the process (the save button was called a “helipad” and the start button was the “four mini squares”). We practiced a lot! And it was June and they still weren’t able to attach things on Teams even when we practiced so many times lol!
I am very much the same way when it comes to my phone, I however am told I am too dependant on the phone. Stay disconnected for as long as you wish and enjoy that time with your baby!
It is crazy to me how kids can do so much on the computers but proper typing/skills is a lost art. I feel like so many people assume kids learn or just know how to use them.
It is such a hard happy medium because his grandparents are a couple hours away so we are always sending pictures and videos but I don’t want to have the phone in his face all day.
Hi Chloe! I also find that my technology use looks much different when I am working vs when I am not. While I am working, my technology use is very practical – I usually have 3-4 windows open, with multiple tabs (much like my brain), but they are all productive work-related items. My focus is using technology to keep me organized, research, and to complete tasks. Once I am not at work, then my technology use becomes personalized. I video call with my mom so she can see my daughter, I play silly music so me and my mini-me can have dance parties, and I doom scroll before bed so I feel like I am an adult who can see other adults interact (and not just be in mom-mode). I also find that my tech use depends on the weather! If it is nice outside, I am more likely to just go outside and do no tech at at all, but when the weather is gloomy it is more tempting to hole up and open some technology.
Yes I agree – I am the exact same, but I usually have 12 tabs open and my students make fun of me telling me I can close them or not have 7 tabs of just my email open haha! And the weather plays a huge part in my world too!!
Good for you to put the phone to the side during your time off/holidays. I think a technology detox is nice to do every once in a while to allow yourself to recharge and connect with reality (not through a screen). By working with high school students who usually have access to technology (most have their own mobile devices), I often find myself learning new things from my students who are way more advanced than I am. I will ask my students to come help me solve technology issues as they seem to be more knowledgeable than I am.
I do the same, although it is evident your skills are far more advanced than mine. I love learning from my students and they get excited to call me old and teach me new things!
Thank you for sharing this post, Chloe! Your detailed account of how you balance minimal technology use in your personal life with its integration in your teaching is both relatable and inspiring. The contrast between your tech-free summer days and tech-heavy workdays offers a great perspective on finding balance. Your commitment to hands-on learning and teaching essential tech skills to students, especially those with limited access, is commendable. Keep sharing your unique insights and experiences!