Smartphones, tablets, smart watches, fitness bands, blue-tooth—we are now connected with devices and gadgets that bring information on demand whenever and wherever we want it. We are truly in the technology revolution. Technology has connected us globally and locally but also provided us the opportunity to multi-task. To lose focus because we are literally, carrying on two conversations while trying to maintain a semblance of balance. But studies are showing that in addition to juggling more tasks, being able to work faster, keep in constant contact, we may be more negatively affected than we think. From poor decision making to distracted driving and decreased focus, “mindless” technology use can create subtle and tangible effects on our lives. From attention disorders to risk-taking that may not be beneficial or warranted.
Mindful technology use, the hustle and bustle of the internet, is very ironic because to be mindful we often need technology. So how do we balance the noisy thoughts of technology with the mindful quiet of reflection? Technology is never going to go out of fashion, in fact it is as we predicted decades ago, becoming more integrated into our mindset every day. Technology is beneficial, it stream-lines our lives, provides the foundation for our social communities all the while providing engaging and purposeful lessons within the classroom. So how can we weed out some of the non-beneficial attributes because of immersion into the virtual world? Simply, by maintaining a strong presence in the "real" world as well. Use technology purposefully, especially in the classroom. Having students use technology just to see the bells and whistles is not meaningful for students. It may be fun, but they use technology on their own all the time, so as teachers we need to balance tactile and technology in order to fully engage our students.
There are five intentions I follow when it comes to technology use: purpose, focus on one thing only, turn-off and tune out at least two nights a week, set limits and I ask myself can I reach my goal another way? In my classroom purpose is important. Research, review, web quests, podcasts, blogs are all purposeful use of technology. I implement these weekly. But, sometimes a cool new fad arises, a virtual lab or on-line quiz game. These can be fun for students but I often find that having kids interact, build something in the makerspace, use manipulatives and hands-on labs is best to really engage them. I ask my students sometimes, "Do you want to complete this on-line (an easier way to go) through this app or in class with a community activity?" Almost always they want to collaborate and interact. Not because it means less work, same tactile assignment is actually more work in a collaborative group, but because they like to turn-off and tune-out as much as we do sometimes.
For me personally, I have to step away from technology at least two nights a week. I make my four children, heavy technology users, do the same. Family game night, TV time together. Letting the technology go, re-centers me and focuses me on what is important, family. I set limits for myself and my children. 2 hours some evenings and one hour others. Finally, I have one child who has to have three things open at the same time, You Tube, Spotify, and a game of some sort. I ask him, "Why all three at the same time, how can you play a game and watch You Tube at the same time?" simply he says, "I just do." Too much information bombarding us, lowering our attention spans, making us lose awareness of what is happening around us. We need to be more mindful. We need to discover ways in which we can complete some tasks- through tactile means rather than technologically. We need to set intentions for ourselves and focus on ways we can achieve our goals mindfully and off-line.
Mindful technology use is easy actually once you set your mind to it. In my classroom I am determined to find a way to bring mindfulness into full view, especially with technology. I try to teach my students that using technology mindfully will help them manage their lives more effectively. I ask them several questions and we often have a long conversation about mindful technology use: 1. How do we control technology and not have it control us? 2. How can we discover more healthy behaviors by setting down our devices? 3. What strategies can you put in place to help manage your time between technology and other life expectations? 4. How can we communicate better without the use of technology? My students actually become very aware of their usage and come up with strategies to lessen the impact of technology on their lives. To be more mindful and purposeful of their technology use.
It’s hard to assess just how much we are using technology – largely because our consumption is omnipresent. But it is important, in order to me mindful, that we track our usage. This way we can be more aware of its impact on us and pay more attention to communicating and learning without it. Consider writing a “Mindful Use of Technology Contract” that dictates when you’ll use technology. This I have done, and it has changed my mindfulness and awareness of the impact of technology. Decide at the outset how many hours you’d like to devote to screen time, and then do your best to hold yourself to your standard. Check in with yourself as you go. Only check emails at certain points in the day (e.g. once an hour, during work hours). Leave your phone in your pocket/purse during meals. If a text conversation requires more than two exchanges, consider calling instead. Join Twitter chats during the week only if it fits into your budgeted time. It is difficult at first but it will eventually allow you to be more mindful and purposeful with technology. Technology is literally changing the world but we can not lose sight of the tactile, real world because that is where our family, students, and consciousness reside. Mindful technology is the key to finding balance between the rapid pace of information consumption and the calm, reality of life itself.
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