Communicate 1.1.1. Definitions of Communication Quest

Reflect for a moment about the terms defined and Turkle’s “Connected: But Alone?” Then, create a blog post and respond to the following questions:

• How have your individual communication skills changed as with the innovations in technology?
• How have advancements in technology altered classroom communication? Will these change further?

• How have your individual communication skills changed as with the innovations in technology?

To answer this question, two perspectives must be considered.  First, the perspective of one-on-one and group communications and second the perspective of electronic communications.  I would say that technology has had no impact on my daily communications with individuals.  It is also my contention that electronic communications have opened a Pandora's box with terrible consequences for social interactions.  The rise of cyber bullying is one example but also one I've never been able to comprehend.  Am I to understand that people are too weak to simply block someone or better yet turn off the system?  If this is an indication of this generations' ability to adapt, we are in big trouble when they face a real test.  

Regarding group communications, technology has very much impacted my skill set.  Consider that the Internet did not exist when my education career began and that provides you with my blank slate.

• How have advancements in technology altered classroom communication? Will these change further?

Technology has altered classroom communications in that the technology offers so many different avenues to provide information and communication.  However, I would contend that the educational value of such changes are not worth the effort.  We are producing a generation that demands to be entertained with no concern for educational attainment.  I have personally seen the damage done by programs such as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).  This is a code word for public school administrators that says, "We know parents are not going to support us so we will throw in the towel rather than fight for educational standards".  A recent article indicated that college students are spending 20% of their time on cell phones when they should be studying.  At the high school level, this problem is rampant and negatively impacts all areas of the learning process.

High school counseling departments as well as administrators spend an inordinate amount of their time dealing with problems brought on by cell phone use in the school.  Sexting and cyber bullying are the main culprits that fill the staff's day at the local high school.  Parents contend that students need their phones for emergency purposes.  Funny but I seem to recall that all schools are wired for phones and you can find them in any teachers' office or in the Principal's office.  Sorry but I just don't buy this new fad and look forward to the day when we quit pretending that it is good for education.