Interesting day today - My husband and I were chatting with our neighbor in the front yard this morning and I told him about my recent trip to Bozeman and all the cool pictures I took. I told him I would be happy to email them to him he could enjoy, as he is an outdoorsy person, and he shared with me that not only does he not have a computer, but no email address either. I wasn't necessarily surprised by this, but more in awe of knowing someone who has the luxury of being so 'unplugged'. Should I be happy for him? or feel sorry for him? or a little of both? I let the idea swim around for a bit as we drove over to my in-laws and there on the kitchen table was this book: 'The Shallows - What the Internet is doing to our Brains' Here is a link to a review.
http://www.law.com/jsp/lawtechnologynews/PubArticleLTN.jsp?id=1202462696621&Book_Review_The_Shallows_What_the_Internet_Is_Doing_to_Our_Brains#
I obviously haven't read it yet - but I am intrigued - How is my neighbors brain different than mine due to being so disconnected from technology? How are my students brains different than mine due to be so tuned in to the digital world? How much do I want my own children one day to be plugged in - or out? Thoughts, comments welcome.
3 comments:
Hi T,
We know the brain is plastic (nothing new). This is a good thing.
Using technology to make life easier also seems like a good thing. Getting obsessed by tools/computers and ignoring the people around you is not good, so I think we should just "party on dude" and use the tools that fit.
Love,
DAD
Good reflection! I like to use technology myself, but my husband is a slow adapter. He doesn't have an e-mail address, yet owns his own carpentry business.;)The question you asked, about to what extent will you let your future kids use technology is an important one, as there are some definite pros and cons. I would be interested in what the book, "The Shallows" has to say about it. :)
Tanya, I like this post because it posses some really interesting questions. I am amazed when I hear stories about how crazy some people go if they are "disconnected" for more than 1 day. I think that is SAD. I think it is sad to think about how many parents (and kids now days - taking after their parents) sit down to eat together and are "connected." What happened to being connected with your own family. When you text your spouse who is in the next room, I think something is wrong! As educators, I think we need to be better role models and help our students find a balance between being online and off.
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