Michael Wesch Video
As the author spoke of his experiences in New Quinea and the effects of media on the people's relationships I though about how much life has changed in my own culture as a result of media advances. I can remember growing up in a very poor community where all the Blacks lived across the railroad tracks and basically experienced the same type of upbringing. Years later you could meet someone from your past and joke about things such as having to be in the house before the street lights came on or how you celebrated certain holidays with the same types of food and traditions.
While I am excited that the world is more accessible to everyone I do miss the close personal relationships and bond that were formed before we started being "connected 24/7"! One example is my son, Joshua, who refuses to physically answer the phone without me threatening his life - he want me to text him. His life is anti-social/social networking system!
As an educator and a leader I am excited to see the advances that have been made in the area of technology and think schools should figure out ways to fully integrate it into our classrooms. I think the new common core standards will help pave the way. Students who have access to technology are truly engaged in their learning and this tool is especially useful to special needs students. The problem is that traditional teachers and leaders do not have the skills needed to implement. This issue will have to be resolved somehow in order to make American students ready for college and career.
I enjoyed reading your reflection on the Michael Wesch video. I agree that life has changed a lot in the past 30 years. To be alive at a time when so much progress has been made is truly exciting and inspiring. We still have a long way to go, but I am optomistic about the future. Your example about your son Josh made me smile because I have noticed some of the same behaviors with my own children. There is such a thing as taking technology to far. Last Saturday after our class I met my sister and some friends at a park in Ramona (Dos Picos). The beauty of nature struck me as we were walking around looking for bats. It reminded me that my life should not revolve around iPhones, text messages, Twitter, and Facebook. Balance is very important.
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