Technology is something I would have a hard time going without in my personal life. From my iPhone, to my Chromebook, to my Netflix subscription, technology is a big part of my life. When I actually sit and think about this simple fact, it seems a bit crazy to me how dependent I have become on modern technology. At the age of 30, I can remember getting my cell phone during my senior year of high school, nearly 13 years ago. How crazy is it that in 13 years I went from a cell phone that would only work in places that were indicated on the fold out map to a world with a seemingly endless supply of technology.
As I prepare for Christmas shopping, specifically for my 3 and 5 year old, technology shows up again. They are both interested in the Nabi tablets (any insights on those would be great!) for Christmas this year. When I think about those tablets, and others like them, I know that my kids shouldn't be so dependent upon technology for entertainment. At the same time, though, I am dependent on my technology. They will grow up in a world where they will depend on technology even more so than I currently do.
As for my professional life, my current job would not fully exist without the existence of technology. Although I am housed in the school library, I would say that 5% of my day deals with library books and duties. The other 95% is spent with technology, specifically our 1:1 device, Chromebooks. I cannot imagine all the conveniences of a school setting in 2013 compared to that whenever I was in school or before.
While I see the benefits of technology in education and my personal life, I do think that some adjustments would benefit our society. The main one of these would be the need to maintain personal relationships and communication outside of the internet and technology realm. I think that students (and staff for that matter) need to be reminded of the importance of face to face communication and feedback.
For example, our 7th and 8th grade students are selling items for a fundraiser for a trip to Washington, DC. One student emailed our entire staff to buy from her to support her trip. I'm not sure that any staff member bought from this student. She had to be told that her methods of selling weren't the most effective and that a personal approach may have been better. Sure, it was easier to just send out an email, but did it yield the results she wanted?
Technology is something that is something that is becoming a part of who we all are. It defines how many of us function on a day to day basis and communicate with those around us. I can't imagine where technology will be in another 13 years. Will there be as many gains as there have been since I got my first cell phone in 2000?
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