Technology is a big part of our world right now and in some ways it’s hard for me to wrap my head around, especially being someone who loves the outdoors. That being said, I do enjoy the mindless scrolling of Instagram, snapchat, and playing videos sometimes. I rely so much on technology with my school and my journey of becoming a teacher that it worries me sometimes if I’ll be able to keep up with the rapid changes of technology.
Video games would be the most distraction but during this time I am usually catching up with buddies who are online, were basically having a group phone call and it makes us feel all connected even though we are all living in different places. I have set timers on my tech to help reduce my screen time, which I find really helps give me a que that I need to take a break from the screen.
It is hard finding a balance for the two..I use technology for a lot of personal well being but also for mindless scrolling. This is where I am “Torn Between The Screen” because I use tech in some ways to educate myself on things that are usually spent without tech. For example, I’ll look up camping tips and tricks on google or see them on Instagram, but when I’m out camping I am far from connected to my phone.
When I was thinking about technology, I started to watch some Ted Talks on Youtube and I found a very interesting Ted Talk by Darlene Damm. Darlene discusses the good and evil of tech. Where do I stand with technology?? I’m not sure..still torn between the screen.
I can relate to your ‘torn between the screen’ perspective. I also love how technology can support learning in everyday life. I’m looking things up throughout my day – recipes, gardening tips, art-making videos, whether my sick kid’s temperature is actually a fever, when the grocery store opens on a Sunday. I used google translate to communicate with family in Italy who only speak Italian. And I use apps for meditation and soundscapes when I’m studying.
But I hate how long it sometimes takes me to fish out information from the internet sea of content. I could spend hours looking up how to plan my garden by the moon, by temperature, considering companion planting, etc. Sometimes it actually just feels easier to get outside, and push some seeds into the ground with the hope that they’ll grow. And in the end – it can be a bit exhausting to be online too much.
So – as a future educator, what are your thoughts on screens and tech in the classroom? My kids spend so much time on screens at school..that when they get home I feel like its my duty to be encouraging IRL engagement with the world. What are your thoughts?