Anytime, Anywhere Learning Does Not Mean Being Plugged In 24-7!

This was also posted on the BHS Principals' Blog

One of my biggest frustrations is with people who equate embracing technology with a move towards being connected to a device 24-7.  They interpret the push towards access to more tools in schools to mean that we are advocating for students to have a internet-connected device turned on during every minute of every class.  This could not be further from the truth.

Schools need to teach our students to use new tools responsibly. Part of this responsibility comes in the ability to know when to connect and when to disconnect.  We need to advocate a balanced approach to technology integration so that our students understand not just the idea of how? But also the idea of when?

There was a great post on this topic a few days back on CNN.  In the post Craig Groeschel describes the concern he had for his own family when he found they were spending an inordinate amount of time plugged in.

 "I realized we were gradually allowing the flicker of little screens to draw us away, running the risk of ultimately becoming isolated from one another."

Schools that are able to infuse technological tools within their walls and offer a 1:1 environment need to have clear conversations about the expectations. Engaging lessons are about bringing students together in a collaborative learning environment not about isolating them from others.  The goal in education is to show how these tools allow us to connect with others and not to be isolated from those who are sitting right next to us.

We want our students to live lives that follow the words of Walter Hagen who reminded others "to stop and smell the flowers."  Sure you could Google a picture of some flowers and I am sure at some point there will actually be a device that can create the aroma of a field of daisies. But if that field of daisies is right outside the door and we are sitting inside getting a second-hand experience then we have missed the mark.