The use of technology in each and every one of our classrooms is fascinating. I’ve learned so many new teaching strategies and more ways to integrate technology in the classroom. Students are more engaged, self-directed, and are more prepared for a future where technology can pave the way for a successful career. Special ed students have so many more opportunities to have learning modified to their specific needs and assignments are easily assessed by teachers. This all sound so positive, and it is, but I often think about some of the lost arts as the use of technology increases.
One major concern is how our students are socially impacted with the increased use of technology. Rather than only speaking face to face we are now communicating by leaving comments on a Google Doc, texting, sending an email, etc. In an article called, “How Technology is Affecting Kids Socially and Academically,” psychologist, Erin Waltz brings up a lot of good points about the use of technology in and out of the classroom.
"When you’re doing face-to-face interaction, you can read someone's facial expressions, and you can listen for the pauses whenever they're speaking. Those things you can't pick up on whenever you`re texting a friend, or Facebooking, or Instagramming," she says. I agree with Erin and feel social cues can be lost if we are not talking face to face enough. Waltz also says, “Without having to interpret and respond to these visual cues, children will grow up unable to communicate effectively with their peers, their families, and down the road --in their jobs.” While being versed in certain computer programs, in order to land a job, it is also important to be able to shake someone’s hand and look them in the eye.
When it comes to preparing children socially for future relationships, child psychologists say parents play a big part. “Set a limited time aside each day for devices. Store them away when they're not in use. Most importantly, lead by example.” I think these are important words to live by even as a teacher.
I’m certainly not writing this to be negative about technology because there are far more advantages than disadvantages, but I also feel there has to be a balance of both. We need to instill these values so our students make eye contact know how to communicate with and without technology.
Great ideas Jess and I love the title to your post!! I agree that we have all learned so many new and exciting teaching strategies and ways to incorporate tech but also question how much is too much and how do we find the right balance. It seems like the only tech-free zones these days are the lunchroom and recess! True face to face interactions are so critical for all. How many times have we as adults misinterpreted an email just by reading into the text only. Social cues are definitely lost in translation with tech sometimes and finding the right balance will be a struggle for all educators as we move forward. It is nice to know that others are thinking the same thing. The more transparent we all continue to be as we navigate through this new world, the less likely we will be to completely lose the true art of teaching with personal authentic connections.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jess that we need to be mindful of all that we need to be teaching our students. Eye contact cannot be lost in the shuffle of trying to engage our students academically via technology. Although technology can make the world seem smaller and foster a sense of connectedness, I worry that our students are actually becoming more isolated and disconnected from one another. Nothing beats person to person connections and I think eye contact is a little thing that means a lot.
ReplyDeleteI also think that down time with no planned activities is becoming a lost art for our students to navigate. So much of our students' days are scheduled and planned, both inside and outside our classrooms. I worry about students being able to make plans for themselves and to act on those plans independent of grown up and technology. I think boredom can be a good thing for children to experience and to figure out for themselves what they can do with their time.