Device Addiction?

I watched Sunday Morning on CBS this past weekend, and Paula Poundstone gave a editorial on how we all are addicted to our devices.  I think the word “addicted” is entirely mis-used here, but it does pose a question: Is technology playing too big of a role in our lives?  It depends on who you ask.

A family of four, on average, has at least 2 devices that are used by children and adults.  Many parents see these devices as a way to entertain their kids and keep them quiet, which we, as parents, can all agree is needed from time to time.  On our recent road trip, I ensured that the iPads were fully charged so my boys could be entertained on the 12-hour drive to California.  I guess you can say I am as guilty as everyone else!  Paula does has a point about using devices in this way.  If there is no thinking, or interaction with others, our children are not learning the valuable collaborative skills they WILL NEED in order to be successful.  Our children should have the opportunity to INVENT, CREATE and PRODUCE original artifacts instead of playing the same level of Cookie Crush for the 100th time.

Now, I m not saying that allowing our children to play digital games is wrong or hurtful.  We all need and require some down time, and these games can provide relaxation and stress relief.  However, there needs to be a balance.  We should provide our children with problems to solve, and tools that they can use to generate solutions or produce new and unique things.  So, where can we find such digital resources?  I have listed three that seem to be a favorite of a lot of children, and these also happen to be applications that my children use all the time.

Minecraft

Minecraft really isn’t a “game”, it is a way to build a create intricate buildings and landscapes.  Ok, there is the occasional Creeper or Spider that makes things interesting, but kids really love creating different worlds and exploring worlds created by others.   Yes, there are some times that the participant can be aimlessly wondering around, but I find this a very creative and inventive application, as my children are using great vocabulary and are working together to solve problems.

GarageBand

For all of those iOS users out there, GarageBand is a wonderful tool that allows the user to make songs, ringtones, soundtracks and playlists within minutes.  My kids have used this program to make up their own songs (with lyrics) and add them to videos that they have created.  It is quite amazing that with just a few clicks, a beautiful piece of music can be created and recorded to share with others!  There are also some free applications online, including Audiotool and Soundtrap.

Google StreetView

Virtual Reality seems to be a new way to interact with digital devices, and Google is ahead of the pack once again.  Google StreetView allows you to see the world through a collection of images that are stitched together to produce a 360-degree view of a given location.  Children can make their own, once access has been given to the cell phone or device camera.

Do all forms of creativity HAVE to be digital?  Absolutely not!  There is still a place for pencils,  chart tablets, scissors and construction paper, but with more and more of our lives going “up to the cloud”, more and more resources are available to help us create digitally.   Just remember that our children do like to work with their hands, and we do need to allow them time AWAY from devices to play, exercise, and just be kids.  Again, we all should have that balance!

                    

Paula Poundstone did go overboard by saying that we are all addicted.  She stated that there is research out there showing that students write better and retain information better when using pencil and paper.  Really?  Where is this data?  In my 24 years' of experience in education, I have found that children learn deeper and fuller when they are engaged...involved...interested in what they are learning about....doesn't EVERYONE?

We all have reasons for staying connected to world through our devices, but to say we are addicted?  Device time, even for adults, should be monitored.  Letting kids stare at an iPad for seven hours, even playing Minecraft, is excessive, and we should implement restrictions and boundaries.  We would NEVER let our kids eat a whole box of doughnuts, as we know what it can do to their health.  The same is true about our devices.  Time limits and strict boundaries on what is acceptable device use should be in place for ALL children using any form of technology.  If we want our children to make good choices and to be good problem-solvers, then we must model this behavior for them.  We must show them the appropriate ways to use devices, as well as how these devices can be used as tools to enhance thinking and learning.

If you would like to see the Paula Poundstone piece, it has been posted by CBS on their YouTube channel.  Click here to view.