Technology- For Better or For Worse
http://www.thetakeaway.org/2010/aug/16/sent-down-river-study-brain/
Earlier this year five neuroscientists took a break from their everyday life and headed for the wilderness. Their purpose was to study the affects of strong usage of technology on the brain. Two of the scientists, Paul Atchley and Steven Yantis, spoke about their experience and what they felt while being in nature with absolutely no digital devices for a week. They describe how they had a better sense of awareness and clarity. They believe that in our society, we are to reliant on technology and digital devices; we are often distracted too aware of everything going on around us. So much going on impairs our everyday performances. We think better in a natural environment and it changes the way we interact with people and our surroundings.
This talk reaffirms my beliefs of the negative affects technology has on humans, especially in American society today. We are so wrapped up in our cell phones, computers, and TV that we are missing out in life. I think all the devices that we are constantly using are putting us out if touch with reality and inhibiting the connections we could make with others and the world. I agree that being pulled away from mainstream high definition society is healthy to do every so often. People need to get in touch with their feelings and body. We can’t do that if we are running around listening to other people words blaring through buds into our ears and pictures of models being scanned in front of our eyes 24/7.
It is really interesting to hear these scientists view of digital devices and then relate it to some of my new learning’s in the field of education. Lately there has been a lot of promotion of digital devices to help kids learn. Some devices are being used in the classroom for all kids or kids with disabilities to help them understand content. But do we know how those devices are really affecting our students? Are they actually doing more good than harm? Are they helping our students connect material and be able to learn better or are they setting them up for distraction and a world of over stimulation?
I enjoyed hearing this talk. I really feel like the technological devices in my life have hindered more than helped me. I know I am not wrapped up in technology as much as a lot of other people are, but it is still very apparent in my everyday life. My laptop and cell phone serve as a great distraction to y learning process. I cant go on my computer to write a paper without taking frequent breaks to check my facebook or email, just because its only a click away. If there wasn’t such a strong positive influence of the use of these devices in my everyday life I really think that I would be a much better student. I would be forced to be more active and take control of my own learning rather than sit back and click away.