MyTwitFace

What do you get if you mix your social networking media?

Okay, lame joke…..but I have to admit, I did laugh the first time I heard it.

My sister was talking about her lunch out with a friend the other day.  Apparently there was a group of secondary students at the next table.  She said each pulled out their cell phones and began texting as soon as they sat down.  There was laughter, giggles and grunts but their eyes never left their electronic devices.  Fascinated, and nosey, she ‘discreetly’ watched the group, only to discover by their reactions that they were actually texting each other.  Is that what the world is coming to?  I doubt it….I hope not…..but my son does send me online messages from the basement and refuses to talk on the phone unless it is an emergency….

I do Facebook.  I text.  I spend far too much time on the computer.  I also own my share of pencils, paintbrushes and retain a capacity for verbal exchanges with other humans….and have even been known pass a few comments along to the neighbourhood squirrels as they hang from the feeder at eye level when I open the blinds on the patio door each morning (no, they do not answer me).  My husband bought his first computer during his third year of his B. Eng.  I bought my first laptop over 20 years later when I started Teachers’ College.  Both my boys, in Grades 8 and 12 respectively, have their own laptops and cell phones.  Times have changed, and continue to change…VERY QUICKLY!

Initially I thought it would be difficult to create a post on techno-devices in education because the school I am currently placed at is so devoid of new technology.  We do not have internet drops in the classroom; there is one SMARTBoard in the library and a mobile SMARTboard that was borrowed from another facility.  The laptop used in the library was purchased by parent fundraising about seven years ago.  For the teachers who are interested in ‘technology’…..most carry around more power in their pockets with their cell phones than what is available as teaching resources.  My teaching partner and I pay for our own Wi-Fi and bring our personal laptops to our portable……if I only lived a block closer we could use my home internet!

And yet, in September when the new school opens onsite, we will be one of the most technologically advanced in the board…or so is the plan.  Will we be ready?  What is the point of a SMARTboard in every classroom and computer pods if we are not prepared to utilize them?

The kids are ready.   But most kids are not intimidated by technology.  Computers, iPads, internet, cell phones are as familiar to them as a HB pencil is to me.  Cell phones and iPods can be used for scheduling, task reminders and even voice messaging.  To think I paid $150.00 for Dragon Naturally Speaking and now you can download the app for free.  Students can record themselves and email the message to their computers for editing and then email their assignment to the teacher.  Holy $#*%! 

Technology as a learning tool?  Definitely!  But like any tool, we need to learn how to use it in its various forms and then educate our students on how to make use of their devices for learning.  A large number of students are very ‘techno-savvy’ but even more only think they are… but in reality they are truly only experts in email, messaging and video games.  We need to explore this new culture together and learn the language so we can communicate clearly and effectively. …Make SMARTuse of our SMARTboards, SMARTphones and whatever other SMART devices appear on the scene by next week (by the way…RIM release the PlayBook today).

I admit I use Facebook because I am curious as to what is going on with friends and family and because I love beating my sister at Scrabble.  I do not read the ads or use it for professional networking (actually, most teachers I know still get nasty looks from principals for being members on the site….except from the principals who are members).  I seem to spend more and more time ‘connected’ but not in a SMARTway.  I am sure I could use my time more effectively.  Maybe I should use my time to figure out how to use my new cell phone.  Oh, I can make calls, answer calls, and text…..but I still need to carry around an old fashioned paper agenda and will always wear a watch.  I did just find the stop watch and timer … not to mention the recording  feature …..I really am frustrated with the touch screen on the phone though.  It never scrolls to where I want it to go! 

Will I ever feel comfortable without my landline and HB pencils?

NO.

But I sure do love my laptop.