In this digital age, the use of technology in the classroom has become increasingly prevalent. While technology offers numerous benefits, it is crucial for educators to recognize the importance of maintaining face-to-face connections with students. I believe that for every introduction of technology tools, there must be an equal, if not greater, emphasis on fostering authentic human connections within the classroom.
In recent times, especially during and after the COVID pandemic, students have experienced a significant increase in screen time, both in academics and personal life. This has led to a phenomenon known as "digital fatigue," where students feel overwhelmed by constantly being connected to various media sources and tech databases. To combat this, it is vital for educators to prioritize real-life interactions and provide students with opportunities for authentic human connection.
By incorporating face-to-face interactions, including something as simple as a smile in real-time, teachers can create a classroom environment that promotes social and emotional growth. They can incorporate opportunities for student engagement in meaningful discussions and collaborative projects to foster teamwork, empathy, and communication skills. These interactions allow students to develop a sense of belonging and establish personal connections with their peers and teachers.
It is also essential to recognize that students need to connect with the natural world around them. Spending excessive amounts of time in front of screens can lead to a disconnection from the physical environment. As educators, we have a responsibility to provide opportunities for students to engage with nature, whether it be through outdoor activities to get their bare feet in the grass, through field trips, or by incorporating nature-based themes into lessons. Connecting with the natural world not only promotes emotional and mental well-being but also enhances creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. As a prospective art teacher, I believe I will have amazing opportunities to get my students thinking creatively about nature, the concept of beauty, and the value of kinesthetically interacting with the earth.
I am committed to ensuring that my students have a balanced experience. While technology undoubtedly offers valuable resources and tools for learning, it should never replace the importance of face-to-face interactions and genuine connections with our world. We can create a well-rounded educational experience that nurtures both academic growth and personal development. I feel a responsibility and drive to get students barefoot in the grass and smiling at one another in real-time.
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/124/article/640683/pdf
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Cool post! I love what you are saying about being connected to your physical surroundings. Also love the connection you are making to art and the value of interacting with nature to inspire creativity and appreciate natural beauty. Seems like you are thinking critically about the balance between tech and authentic interaction.
ReplyDeleteContinued: Just yesterday a friend who is traveling in Ireland sent some REALLY cool pictures of some rock structures, waterfalls, and other epic occurrences of natural beauty - way cooler than anything tech could ever generate because its real! These aren't the pics that she sent but some examples: https://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/ireland/photos/seven-natural-wonders-of-ireland
DeleteTo your point it's amazing over the years how we have slowly eroded away at recess time for kids. It's gotten so bad that the state had to pass a law to have elementary students guaranteed 30 minutes of recess. https://www.khq.com/news/washington-state-senate-passes-bill-to-require-at-least-30-minutes-of-recess/article_56ce9f6a-b329-11ed-8a77-035559235628.html "back in my day" we had 60 minutes every day of outside, getting our feet in the grass and playing. Now we have to pass a law so kids get 30. We know this is important and yet we still prioritize "learning time" over "play time" yet the research is clear on what kids need. I hope you are able to prioritize this for your students and their well being.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more, Emily! Ever since returning from online learning over the pandemic, I have appreciated in-person classes on a whole new level. I learned pretty quickly that I don't learn well through a screen. I missed the daily interaction with my classmates and teachers, and I missed sitting with a group of classmates and just working on an assignments together. It seems so simple, but the online learning I experiences throughout the pandemic clearly showed me how valuable face-to-face interactions are, that they cannot be replaced with technology, and how easy it is for teachers to mis-use technology.
ReplyDeleteAs a future math teacher, this got me thinking about how I would get my students out of their chairs and into nature... How can I fit this into a math curriculum? I would love to hear from you if you have any ideas (: