Brains suffer from technological advances

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/technology/25brain.html?pagewanted=1&_r...

Technology is absolutely everywhere. Multiple personal digital devices are quite popular and common things to have these days. Many people are completely attached to their cellular phones, Ipods, and/or laptops without even realizing it. The amount that we use those personal technologies is becoming mentally unhealthy. Our bodies need time to rest. During the day we are constantly running around performing numerous tasks. Without even short periods of quite, downtime between tasks we are unable to fully process information. Just like our legs get tired if we go for a three mile jog, our minds get tired if we exercise them too much as well. Using your cellular phone while in the elevator might seem productive, but it also may be detrimental. If you were to give yourself that one-minute of time to clear your head then you might come up with a new idea or better process something you had just learned. Having a clear head allows for better focus and understanding when needed.

This article really makes a lot of sense. Over stimulation can be detrimental to your health. I know that when there are too many things going on around me I have trouble processing and even sometimes get a headache. It is a good skill to be able to multitask, but not to the point where you are over extending yourself. I think keeping the extra digital devices to a minimum is important to stay focused on your task at hand. It is a good idea to give yourself a few breaks during the day from all the activities around you. Having even a few minutes of personal time provides the opportunity to clear your head, reflect on what has happened, and make rational decisions.

Technological devices in education settings are becoming more and more prominent. I think there are good and bad side effects of this. I know that some new devices being put in the field of education greatly enhance the opportunity for a Universal Design for Learning. Computers, projectors, and clickers for example provide students with certain disabilities or learning differences the chance to succeed as well as others. But I also think that students can become over stimulated or distracted in the classroom because of these devises. In many of my classes I see students playing games or surfing the web on their laptops while a lecture or discussion is going on in class. If these devices weren’t being used then there would be less of a chance for distraction and more of an encouragement to focus on what is actually being taught.

In the classroom, gym, grocery store, and on the streets I see people using digital gadgets. They are everywhere and people are completely addicted to them. This article was really interesting for me to read. I often think about the ways that technology has made our lives easier but also a lot more difficult and complex. Reading this made me think a lot about my own lifestyle and all the times when I could be reading or just relaxing and not doing anything rather than unnecessarily checking my email or sending a text message because I am bored. 

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