It’s
important to know about Olivia’s relationship to technology because students
frequently use it in non-academic ways.
Asking them to use that same technology to complete a project or present
ideas in class is a great idea. It’s a way
of connecting with them in a language that they already understand. Peaking their interest is always a good idea
and is beneficial in keeping them engaged in class. It is also helpful to ascertain the type of
access students have to certain types of technology. Assigning a student work that they cannot
complete because of lack of resources and access does not make sense.
One
of the three most influential communication technologies in my life is my
laptop. Like some of the students in the
second video, I also feel that my laptop is a
necessity in all aspects of my life. In my school life it saves me a lot of
time and energy. Not only is it used to complete all of my schoolwork but also
how I gain access to any and all additional information relevant to
school. Some examples would be
Blackboard, registration on WESS and gaining access to the library databases. I’m a better student because I can gain
access to much more information in a shorter period of time.
My
laptop has affected my personal life in positive ways as well. I have family members and friends in other states and
countries and it has changed my mode of communication. No longer do I have to pick up the phone; I
can use Face Time or Skype. A lot of my favorite shows can be watched online and
My
art portfolio is housed on my computer.
I am also a huge YouTube fan. The
things I have learned by watching others are too much to enumerate. They range from learning how to use Photoshop
features, how to perfect metal working techniques, and to what products to use
in my natural hair. This is a great
communication tool for someone like me who is visually inclined.
Like
Olivia, music is very important to me. I
spend my entire 8-hour workday staring at my PC. Listening to talk radio and music helps to
make the day a little more bearable.
It’s like listening to the soundtrack of your life. I really enjoy working out. However, if I forget to bring my music to the
gym I will literally go all the way back home before I work out without my music.
It’s the motivational force that pushes me forward and pumps me up even when I
want to quit.
My
last influential technology is my cell phone.
Of course, like most people I use it for communicating through voice,
text and email. However, I also use to
play games like Words With Friends, and Bubbles. Taking pictures and instant access to the
Internet are additional uses.
I
listed some similar ways in which the students and I use technology. A major difference in the way we use
technology is that I do not use social networking sites. I don’t have Myspace, Twitter, or a
Facebook. I don’t have a particular
reason for this, but if pushed I would probably say that the permanence of
information that you put on the Internet scares me. I have always been a very private person and
I would just rather relay any messages that I have by word of mouth. Another difference I noticed is the
technological savvy of a lot of the students.
Even the youngest student on the list was building websites.
Although negatives always comes with a positive I believe that technology has had an overall positive effect on my life. Choosing how you use it is an important aspect that we have to keep in mind as well as educate our students about. We must always be responsible in the ways in which we choose you use it.
Although negatives always comes with a positive I believe that technology has had an overall positive effect on my life. Choosing how you use it is an important aspect that we have to keep in mind as well as educate our students about. We must always be responsible in the ways in which we choose you use it.
