Technopoly Chapters 1-2
This was a very thought-provoking reading, begging the question...To what degree is technology a benefit and a hinderance in our society as a whole and in our classrooms? I will begin with the quote
"New technolgy does not add or subtract...but changes everything." Throughout these 2 chapters, the author challenges we, as readers, to use what has happened in history to examine the effects of technology on a particiular society.
One example was regarding the mechanical clock. While it was a positive in regulating time, it ended up benefitting business owners and taking the focus off of God. Another example was the invention of the mill, which opened the door to the growth of prositution in the community. We live in a sinful world, so every invention that has a initially pure and good purpose to improve society, will end up having sin taint and negatively impact it.
The obvious connection in today's society is the Internet. While it has allowed us to do many positive things, it has also opened the door to sinful things, as well. We are able to easily communicate with others, but it has negatively affected personal relationships in taking away from face-to-face connections and in making it easier for many to make very public things that they would never say in a face-to-face conversation. It has also made the way we locate information much easier, but has made it all too easy for false and unwholesome information to be easily accessed. The third thing that came to mind in regard to the Internet, is the attention spans of today's generations. We not longer have to pay attention to a complete piece of information, but look for the "answers" or tidbits of information. We are inundated with bells and whistles from many sources, rather than focusing on a single thought or idea for any time to reflect. This advancement has changed the way we process information.
I guess I come away from this reading, an "optimistic skeptic". We have to look at all advances in technolgy with a critical eye, but cannot shut out the good that something provides simply because there are negatives that go along with it.
I think your first point on how the internet has changed the way we communicate is so accurate. I am often saddened to see venues full of young people who are not talking to each other- instead they are texting each other... sometimes the person sitting three feet away from them, or in the bus seat behind them. And I agree that often things that would NEVER be said aloud or in person are easily "muttered" on facebook, twitter, or instagram/snapchat. After the last 8 years of working with 6th-9th graders I'm convinced that bullying has hugely BENEFITTED from the internet age. What a foothold we have given the evil one. Unfortunately, so much of this happens outside of the school walls- where we cannot stop it but the repercussions easily make their way into school where we do have to deal with them. It's important that we help train our students (and all young people) to handle communication appropriately. I really feel like this HAS to be an objective in our technology classes/training for adolescents.
ReplyDeleteI was also astounded by the number of 9th graders who actually communicated with me when I made my cell number available to them this year. I long feared doing this, but I gave it out to about 3 students. They shared it with others, but I never received prank calls, etc. Instead, they only texted when they were studying, finishing homework, etc. And it usually led to them asking a great question and doing better on the work. I do think this is their native and "more comfortable" language. I heard from kids that would never have spoken with me in class for the help.
I think I'm with you on being an "optimistic skeptic"
I agree with you about how sad it is that our kiddos are losing a bit of the face-to-face connections. I have incorporated proper handshakes/introductions in my l.a. class as part of their speaking and listening objectives. I am amazed by how much practice it takes them to be compfortable making eye contact and introducing themselves and others properly.
DeleteLike you, I was hesistant to connect with my students virtually outside of school, but found that Facebook and email are good ways for them to easily contact me. However, with that, I was aware of a little too much of what went on between students, sometimes feeling like maybe I needed to speak up to parents. Such a grey area!
"Optimistic skepticism" is a great phrase!
DeleteI have some real concerns about connecting with students via social media (but mostly that stems from getting burned pretty badly a couple years ago by getting involved when I learned things they were saying and doing online that their parents didn't know about. Ugh...) At the same time, I definitely agree with what you are bringing up about connecting with students in a more "native" language for them. We'll talk more about this, I'm sure, in module 2 after you read a few articles by Marc Prensky. (He's the guy who coined the terminology of "Digital Natives" and "Digital Immigrants.")
I have the same concerns about knowing a little too much at times about my students, especially when parents do not seem to be stepping in and monitoring as they should. I had always said no to student connections on FB or on my personal email, but allowed it for the first time this year, due to the fact that Linda had been connecting in this way, and the students were getting used to contacting us this way in regard to school stuff. I am still a bit at arm's length in my interactions with them online. Such a grey area to navigate! After my investigations in next week's module, maybe I will feel differently (positive or negative) about how I want to connect with my students.
DeleteI have great concerns with students lacking the face-to-face connection, and also staffs! Sometimes e-mails are sent and they are expected to be replied to within minutes (something admin probably can do, but not the classroom teacher!). Unfortunately I would like to consider myself a good teacher and am rarely checking e-mail during the day/class time!
DeleteAnother thought I have: Jesus spent so much time interacting socially with others and also having time alone with His Father. This lack of face-to-face that is becoming increasingly the norm. . .how does that look in terms of church or school community? Or being a light to the world in our own communities? A lot of good can be done via computers/technology, will we be losing something important if that turns into the main way of interacting?
I completley agree with our need to spend more time in face-to-face interactions and in slowing the pace down to reflect with each other and with God. It brought to mind your intro video in which you noticed how many moms are unegaged with their kiddos at the park. I have noticed this, too. Where I struggle is the fact that I have my school laptop at home and have to make myself not check school email, etc., until my kids are in bed. Otherwise, I would be continually fielding emailed questions and requests throughout the afternoon and evening. What kind of example are we setting for our kids as they leran to navigate the technological world around them? We definitely have to be the moderators of what is a good balance for our own kids and our students.
DeleteI thought you made some excellent points in your response. I loved your comment "We live in a sinful world, so every invention that has a initially pure and good purpose to improve society, will end up having sin taint and negatively impact it." This is so true! Even when we try to have the right motives behind something, our hands are always tainted by sin, and can, and probably will be used for a wrong purpose.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts Lisa! There are certainly many advantages that come with the advances in technology. I think that we need to embrace what is good and seek to shine God's light on what is not. It really is no different than any other area of life. We are called to be light and salt, even in technology, maybe, especially in technology. The internet is a very powerful tool.
ReplyDeleteYour quote that "new technology does not add or subtract -- it changes everything" also caught my eye. It would be easier to wholeheartedly say it was all bad or all good and then move on accordingly. But just as with all new things, which Postman clearly laid out, we need to know how to work with the "burden and the blessing." I guess that leaves the responsibility on the people who use technology and those of us who teach, to make sure we are teaching well.
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