cc licensed flickr photo shared by Jesslee Cuizon
I have heard several comments regarding the “fear” of using too much technology in the classroom and how it sometimes dehumanizes us. I find this rather interesting as I have started to develop some fantastic relationships because of my use of technology in the past year (Twitter, Facebook, my blog), but understand how those who do not take part would have trouble fully realizing the potential of these mediums. If we have technology in the classroom and do not use it to connect and collaborate with others, I also can understand how people would be concerned.
I think we have bigger things to worry about though.
When schools lock their doors until right before classes begin, this is a concern.
When schools have “anti-hugging” policies, this is a concern. (Story here, here, here, and here.)
When staff do not use supervision as a way to connect with students in the school, that is a concern.
There are always boundaries that we must ensure that we do not cross in schools; it is important that we address these issues as they arise and work with our students. The following quote seems to be more applicable to many schools everyday.
“What happened here seems to be the knee-jerk response to any problem these days: Overkill, just like when schools ban tag because a kid could trip, or cupcakes, because a kid could get fat.” From Banning Hugs at School
Reading these articles and hearing these stories tells me that our kids disconnecting from each other because the use of technology is the least of our concerns. It is imperative that we teach our kids to not only the curriculum, but how to care for one another.
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” This should be the key element in all of our schools.
Update:
I think that this video is a great addition to this post via Patrick Larkin.
