connected...
On my recent trip to Guatemala I learned a bit about technology. Next time I go, I will take my laptop so that I have everything I need and have more control over my connectivity and productivity. I learned on my recent trip that using technology is not always as easy as it seems. I had limited access to internet cafes, but when I did have an opportunity to log on, I was careful to have my flash drive, card reader, etc…with me so that I could get some work done. However, I failed to account for firewalls, missing plug-ins, really slooooow connections, downed servers, blog maintenance, and others hurdles to my work. The more connected you are - the more invested you are in that connectivity - the more difficult and frustrating it is to persevere when your status, access, etc…change.
In an earlier class discussion, I complimented Katie on being so completely at ease with all things technology related and how much she relished the search and collection of knowledge. She responded that her level of connectivity was a lifestyle choice. That level of performance and integration awes me and makes me jealous. At the same time, I completely identify with Melanie and Shannon’s desire to “disconnect” occasionally. As I sit here writing, which I do at a hunt-and-peck pace, I am resentful at the amount of time I must spend sitting in front of this machine to participate in an enhanced learning activity. The more time I invest in electronic communication/interaction, them more time it takes to maintain my level of involvement. Kind of insidious, no? Perhaps this just points out the need for a balance between the two. Perhaps it points to the fact that I need to plan better and to accommodate tech glitches. Perhaps we need to help students realize this? If and when it appropriate to sever ties to your computer? Is anyone else divided about this like I am? Just curious.
Comments
I spent five days in NY without the Internet. I used my laptop once to watch a downloaded episode of Bones and again to do my PowerPoint at the roundtable. I didn't feel sad or disconnected, just distanced from my normal routine. As soon as I got to the airport and was waiting for Shannon's plane to land, I logged in (yay free wireless!) and was up and running again...checking email, reading NetNewsWire (my RSS feed reader) and chatting with friends. Continuous partial attention...that seems to be what I give most things. And most of the time I can make it work for me....I'm able to write and read and get things accomplished while at the same time taking in a huge amount of information. But I see what you're saying in that I have to spend more time doing it in order to have quality output. If that's the way it has to be then I guess that's how it's gonna be...as long as I can continue to be active and engaged with material.
Maybe you might want to consider getting some software to help you learn to type faster?
I can see the benefits of not being so plugged in. I don't have a Blackberry and wouldn't want one...I like being able to not check my email all the time...But I also am spoiled by the wireless connectivity and feel annoyed when I can't have it...
Posted by: katie | March 24, 2007 4:43 PM
I have a love-hate relationship with technology. It's great when it all works, but what percent of the time is that? I feel more and more stuck when something does not work. Recently, I gave a presentation and completely forgot to take my adaptor plug to connect my Mac to the projector. Luckily, there was a tech support person there who had one. That tiny little piece of equipment could have negated all the work that I did on my presentation...it's all a matter of trade-offs. Some days I want to trade it all off, read paper books and just sit still. Other days I enjoy all the things that technolgy can enable me to do. i feel like it's great for staying in touch with friends and family - if it weren't for email i'd probably never hear from my dad!
Posted by: Melanie | March 28, 2007 4:22 PM
I feel that technology brings alot to the art classroom, but I think you can easily become too involved or dependent on it. I think somebody already said it, "technology is great...when it works". I have had many situations where I have spent my entire evening creating a PowerPoint and other multimedia resources for the next days lesson, all so that when I got into the classroom the LCD projectors bulb is out, or half of my files don't come up on the classrooms computer (I think because I use a Mac and the teacher had a PC), or to have a wire or plug missing or broken, etc, etc, etc. I think the more dependent we are on technology, the better the chance is for something not to work.
Don't get me wrong, I love technology, and many of the things that are possible in this day and age would not be possible if not for the advancements we have made, but I also feel that having visuals and other resources in our hand, something not on a thumb drive or CD or memory card, allows us to feel at ease the next day because we know unless we are caught in a sudden rainstorm (and our resources aren't in a portfolio) or come across a sudden 100 mph gust of wind walking into school, those resources are good to go. But I think there is a happy medium...plan for the worst. Use your technology, but have a back up in case it doesn't work. It takes more time, but it is worth it in that small, or not so small, chance that your tech doesn't work.
As far as using it in the class, I do it often. I think PowerPoints are great, and when done right, can be very effective in teaching and communicating concepts and other art ideas. I also teach a Computer Art class, and without technology, the class would not exist. I also love creating handouts on Photoshop, and I think its great being able to hand them out or just project it on the LCD and talk about it. Anyways, thats all I have!
Posted by: Jordan | April 4, 2007 8:30 AM