Modeling tech

The conversation of integrating technology and digital tools into a classroom has been an interesting one to process. A lot of different people have very polarizing views when it comes to how much children should be interacting with technology in general, let alone in the classroom. Personally, I view school and education as a space to collaborate, experiment, and be introduced to novel ideas. I do not think technology is necessary for those things to occur in a classroom, but I do think it can enhance the learning if applied correctly. 

As with most things in life, I think intent and modeling is at the core of finding this balance as an educator. If I am reliant on technology to organize my schedule, to keep me accountable, or to get a dopamine hit from Tiktok to be able to function, how can we expect to teach children to have better habits than us?

This one time, I was having a conversation with some peers and one was telling us how, the previous night at her serving job, she was sad to see how many families brought tablets for their young children to keep them distracted and regulated while out for a family meal. We continued to chat about how reliant children have become on technology, so much so that they needed to be distracted during a family outing to a restaurant or else they would be emotional and restless. To avoid potential social discomfort for all present, it seems to be easier to use a screen rather than analogue games or conversation. This conversation did not sit well with me. First of all, I am not a parent and I do not understand what the pressures and exhaustion of having young children out in public is like.

I acknowledge that I am a long distance, fun aunt (self titled) who’s responsibilities to childcare are limited. Anyways, I was thinking about how our society has evolved to look down on guardians who give kids electronics to quell any ongoing or potential emotional outburst. But the reality is, we as adults do the same thing as kids! After a long hard day, we use social media or television or video games to help ground ourselves. What do we do when we are feeling overstimulated or need a break from people? We hide away in our phones for a (theoretically) short while. When we are bored or uncomfortable, we turn to technology. We are the same as children in that way, the only difference is that we have had a few more years under our belt to become accustomed to regulating our feelings in quieter ways, plus, social norms are on our side. We are no better than the children we are raising. 

Long story short, I think modeling positive practices of using technology in a classroom is a key component to having students learn healthy habits of integrating tech use and life.