Reflection Blog #4

     The assigned article this week was very interesting to read and consider.  I am typically more comfortable now composing documents online since I have started these graduate courses.  My children gave me funny looks and just shook their heads when I started because I began to write for the courses in longhand.  After one year, I am doing everything on the processor.  (They still give me funny looks, though!)  I do not remember my daily activities and information with a technology device.  I carry a cell phone but still know most of the numbers in my head.  I just believe memorization is still good for my brain and I like to be prepared.  I keep a written calendar at my home with activities because every one in the house refers to it when scheduling.  I enjoy making paper lists and crossing things off when they are done and then throwing it away at the end of the day.  Most satisfying to me.  I do not own a laptop (too poor) or a PDA (same as before) but would not object to owning these in the future.  I was not constantly connected to the Internet before these online courses.  I am an active person and would much rather be interacting with people face-to-face and enjoying the outdoors.  My work does not permit me any time to check e-mails and such with any frequency because a kindergarten student automatically knows when your attention is diverted and within the blink of an eye, they are into something exciting that you did not plan for them!  My cell phone is not always with me.  I find it refreshing to not be available all the time.  It was difficult at first, but now I wouldn't have it any other way.  I guess I retreated back to an "old school" attitude about that!  I can multitask quite well.  However, I am working on making myself slow down on that concept.  I find too often that people do not "live in the moment" as well as they should and life is being missed at a rapid pace.  I was once at lunch with friends and we were chattering away  and the table next to us was full of teenagers.  They did not talk once.  They were all on their phones texting or doing whatever, when one stopped and looked up, the others were busy.  That young person then went back to their phone and then another young person would stop and look up.  No conversation was to be had.  They ate, worked their phones, and left without enjoying each other and the moment.  That was a sad, attention getting moment for me.  I try now not to multitask as with technology.  It's use definitely has a "time and place".   I do not play video games or computer games.  They just do not interest me.  I have never been much of a game player, hate to lose!

     I tend to relate to the Baby Boomer generation.  I understand the other generational characteristics documented, but I have that strong work ethic, am responsible, and strive for a can-do attitude.  I did however, like turning 50.  It was very freeing after raising four children and helping my husband through his careers of 28 years!  Enjoying my 50's might be the only difference I exhibit in the characteristics of a Baby Boomer.  I have welcomed each decade and been thrilled with what they have offered me. 

     If I could change a few things about the way young people view technology, I would encourage them to look more toward the future when it comes to relationships.  So many times the buzz is all about reconnecting to the past and hanging on to people that you knew back in second grade through Facebook, etc... In some of the young people I know now, they are forgoing interactions with new people they meet because of the amount of time spent keeping old relationships.  Just a thought.  I would also encourage older educators to learn (yes, kicking and whining) to use the fun options in technology and integrate them into the classroom.  My grandfather (a life-long educator and learner) studied the computer at 92 years old back in 1998.  The biggest challenge my husband faced was getting him to understand it was much more than just a typewriter!  We must find a way to set up a system to help teachers learn and become more at ease in this technology driven world.  I would also like to see the older educator not be so afraid of the younger ones knowing more and helping them with lessons.  Young people have a lot to say and are often honored and excited to be asked to help.  Technology is here to stay and will become better and more refined in the world of education.  How exciting to be around to watch what happens!