Apple Inc
NEW Apple products
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My husband started counting down with the rest of the Apple
I posed the following question, as simple as it seems, to my classes today:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of technology?
As this digital learning journey continues, I find myself wondering this in the back of my mind. Personally, I think there are more advantages than disadvantages, but then I think about the frustrations I have with my students who can't maintain a healthy balance with technology.
I realize I need to change my question to HOW do we balance the advantages and disadvantages of technology in today's world?
Your thoughts blogging world?
It is all about balance, isn't it? I love technology. It has enhanced communication and so many capabilities in general. It is powerful stuff. At the same time, we must be wary of the pitfalls of endless gaming, frivolous and constant social media engagement, constant and pointless surfing...all leading to the problems of shallow thinking, inability to focus, etc. There are times when we need to turn off the screens and go live with the people, places, and other activities around us too. And there is nothing wrong with reading a paper book and writing by hand. Yes, balance in this and many other areas too.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love technology--but not just for the sake of having a new gadget. I looked at the ads for the new iWatch (or whatever they are calling it), and I am not particularly impressed. To me, it is just a gimmick. The iPhone, that needs to be in close proximity to the watch in order for the watch to work, has value. You can do everything on the phone that can be done on the watch, so why not just take the phone out of your pocket? I suppose there are uses, but I can only see it as a way for Apple to sweep faithful followers up in the tornado of hype so that they will spend money to have the latest Apple product--it is fashion.
ReplyDeleteI guess that is how I look at balance. Technology--yes, but keep it useful; and don't forget the little things like a handwritten note to your grandmother, or a homemade valentine for your sweetheart.
Having grown up with a certain level of technology, I do love the advantages--being able to type long papers instead of hand write them--hallelujah! Even this afternoon, tech advantages saved the day! I was trying to impress upon my students the importance of a solid hook for their writing. I have read a number of books that have truly stunning opening lines (Unbroken by Hillenbrand and Kindred by Butler), but instead of having to track down my old copies, many of which are still at my parents' house in MA, I could just hop on Amazon and preview the first chapter. Not only was this faster and easier, but it also allowed me to project the entire text on my Promethean board so my class could both read and hear me read.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think technology cannot come without trust, and sometimes, I am not always sure that I trust my middle schoolers. They are so eager to use their laptops. They want to use them for everything. They whine and moan when I say no to typing notes, even if we are only writing a few sentences. I am all for using technology in many different ways, but these kids can be so savvy and are fearless when it comes to exploring the applications and accessories, which usually means they know so much more than I do and can get away with things I have no idea even exist!
I do love technology, but I definitely think it comes with strings.