I have long turned to my digital devices to ‘remember’ my contacts info and scheduling. Currently, I could probably only recall from memory a few phone numbers, the ones I am forced to dial. Quite often I cant even remember my own phone number. I have to schedule meetings using an online calendar. If it’s an event I’m not excited about, I wont remember it.
I do take my iPad to meetings. My phone is always with me. But usually I take notes on paper. I’m a slow typist, and also a visual/tactile learner, so the physical act of writing it is more useful. Having my phone or iPad with me is more for access to emails, calendars, or web based resources.
The main selling point of the iPhone to me was having the internet in my pocket. Staying connected, or having info readily available, is of upmost importance to me. I could easily live without cable, but high speed internet is a must have.
I can actively engage in a few activities at once, but nearly as effective as teenagers. I once saw a young man texting on a cell phone while riding a skate board. I’m not sure if thats stupidity or genius. However, I do feel that there is a point where we need to put away the technology and socialize in person. Many people carry on oral conversations with multi tasking on their phone. I personally think this is rude. Pay respect to the person you’re talking with. Let them know you are interested. My pet peeve is seeing parents out with their children and the majority of their time and attention is spent on their phone. I try to remember that my son will only be little for a few more years. I dont want to waste precious time with him on my phone.
I have never been interested in video or computer games.
I was born in 1981, so technically I fall into Generation X. However I am at the very tail end of my generation. Being only 30, I grew up in a world very different than that of a 46 year old (born in 1965: the beginning of Generation X). However my youth was quite different than that of the teenagers I currently teach. So, I’m somewhere in the middle.
If we take into consideration the generational differences of our learners and our teachers - think of what a different place education would be in!
ReplyDeleteActually, I had a question along those lines. I'm only 30 and my high school students are teenagers: 14-18. While there is obviously a generational gap between us, in terms of technology we're both digital natives. Though not too long ago when I was an undergrad I remember the average age of the university faculty being mid 50's. About a 30 year difference between faculty and students. So, I'm wondering how is the digital divide look at the university level? Are the older faculty members more or less inclined to adopt educational technology tools?
ReplyDelete