Online lament from a tech-steeped teen
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It’s all on the computer. My homework assignments are posted online, at Classjump. My Spanish teacher doesn’t even mention the homework in class; we simply know to check the website every night. Most of my homework assignments involve either typing documents, doing online research, or both. Though I never expected to say this, I miss sitting at my desk with some just graph paper, a textbook and a pencil to do my math homework.
In a way, it’s beautifully environmental. We are on our way (slowly) to eliminating paper completely from school. A few students are already bringing laptops into class to take notes. Rather than having us print assignments, we can save our homework to the class website where they can check it. And I’m glad teachers are encouraging us to take advantage of the revolutions in technology and information availability that have put all in the information in the world at our fingertips.
But in another way, it’s a little sad. I get home, turn the computer on, and spend the next few hours ignoring the pain in my eyes that comes from spending too much time too close to a screen. In the springtime, when I would normally do all my work in my backyard, I have to come inside every other minute to get on the computer for something. Lately, I’ve come to associate the sound of my monitor shutting off with deep relaxation and the knowledge that I am done for the night. I love computers, and am a true member of my tech-savvy generation, but once in a while, I wouldn’t mind trading the clickety-clack of my keyboard for the scratch of my pen on paper.
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This is very true for all of us who are in the connected world. For older people, it is a new way of doing things. For people now in school, it is the only way they’ve ever known it.
The promise is that the technology will make our interactions more meaningful. We’ll have more time to discuss what matters. Do you think that’s what happens?
Comment by ubcome — February 11, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
Technology is undoubtedly a time saver. I love the feeling of sending a 10 word email, receiving a reply 5 minutes later and being able to get on with important things. With that said, I’m not sure that technology has made our interactions more meaningful. I think communication has increased in general, and while some of it is definitely meaningful, some is unecessary.
Comment by Toni Bruno — February 13, 2009 @ 12:09 am