Is Technology Changing Face to Face Conversations by Malcolm Brewster https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk #ET4LIFE en-us 2018-02-27 03:35:45 UTC 2024-11-25 18:39:29 UTC hello@padlet.com QUESTIONS malcolm_brewster https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/235719765 Has smartphones affected your personal conversations with your colleagues and/or students? Explain how? In your work environment, how can technology and face to face interactions coexist so that neither one overpowers the other? Or can they? Explain how or why not? ]]> 2018-02-27 03:37:38 UTC https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/235719765 Response to Questions - Jimi james2_butler https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/238412019 Smartphones have definitely affected personal conversations with colleagues and students at school.  The great majority of the teachers at my school have their cellphones on them at all times.  When you’re having a conversation, whether it is casual or professional, they are multitasking - texting someone, looking at emails, or surfing the web.  Many will preface the conversation with, “I’m listening, I just need to look something up real quick.”  That “real quick” lasts the entirety of the conversation and it some won’t even pick up their heads during the time together.  The most notably affected group is in dealing with students.  When I try to engage students in conversation they don’t look you in the eye, their heads are always down.  The responses students give sound like they could be part of a Tweet or text message.  I’ve even had a couple of students say, “Can I just send you my answer in an e-mail or through Google Classroom?”

Technology can coexist in the work environment with face-to-face interactions but a set of rules must be in place to deal with the elephant in the room.  When adults are working together a parking lot can be used to store cell phones and/or any other technology that is not relevant to the meeting.  All participants need to agree that only work related to the meeting will be conducted on their electronic device.  It also needs to be clear that when another person is speaking all eyes are on the speaker, no one should be working on their device(s).  Adults interacting with students in a face-to-face conversation should look for body language cues as to whether students know how to have this type of conversation.  For the teacher and student, this becomes a teachable moment.  The instructor can provide students with pointers about how to conduct a face-to-face discussion: be prepared (know what you want to talk about in advance), correct posture (students should be standing, not slouching or constantly moving around), maintain eye contact (always look the person in the eye whom you are having the conversation), be present during the conversation (no checking of electronic devices), be audible (people need to hear and understand what you say), be attentive (listen to what the other person has to say and be engaged), and be concise (say what you need to say without dragging things on or making it seem like you’re texting when speaking).
]]> 2018-03-06 01:00:29 UTC https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/238412019 Uzdzinski's Response taylor_uzdzinski https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/238967485 It's unfortunate how many times smartphones have affected personal conversations with my colleagues. I think it bothers me so much simply because I am not one to be caught up in my phone, or another type of device. I don't understand how one can think it is okay to be texting nonstop when their attention should be 100% on the children. They do it so naturally, too. Let's face it, if your head is constantly in a device, you are not present. As much as I say this, I do think it is possible for technology and face to face interactions to coexist. It is important to realize that there is a specific time and place for the two. Rather than using technology as a distraction, it should be used as a resource with value. Using technology with purpose will be much more advantageous than using it to send a meaningless text to pass time. ]]> 2018-03-07 01:38:51 UTC https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/238967485 Clinton's Response clintondickens11 https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/238996575 Smartphones are basically handheld computers and anyone who owns one has access to an abundance of information at the click of a button.  Despite the advantages that come with possessing a smartphone, they have affected conversations with colleagues and students.  I haven't had any experience personally with someone using their phone while trying to have a conversation with them.  However, I find myself observing my colleagues and their use of their phones since reading Turkle's  Reclaiming Conversations.  I've notice them using their phones while they should be paying more attention to their students.  Everyday for the month of February, while the students are waiting to be picked up from the auditorium, the art teacher gave a brief black history lesson.  It was sad to see when the students wasn't paying attention because the teachers were too busy on their phones and not monitoring their students.  Also I've notice teachers browsing their phones during professional developments.  Ironically it would be the same teachers who complain about students not paying attention.  I teach 4th grade, so some of my students don't have smartphones, but I have notice the impact they have on my students.  My students can't wait until school is over to get on their phones to look at their Instagram or the latest rap video.  My students have a difficult time expressing their thoughts and having face-to-face conversations.  I use the things they like to look at on their phones to start conversations with them to make a connection.  As Turkle mention her book, students struggle with eye contact and empathy.  I believe that technology/smartphones have struggled in those two areas.  
I think technology and face to face interactions can coexist in an educational setting. I think with adults, we first have to have the conversation about technology and how it impacts the interactions between colleagues. Then their needs to be a mutual understanding and respect for when it is OK to use technology devices. When it comes to students using technology, their should first be an Acceptable Use Policy established. Along with teachers using technology to facilitate the learning, it's also important that teachers help students understand how to use technology positively and efficiently. Once technology is integrated in the learning environment, teachers must use the technology to engage conversation, and get students to express how technology is helping them learn.]]> 2018-03-07 04:30:38 UTC https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/238996575 Ga https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/239446973 2018-03-07 23:31:51 UTC https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/239446973 Konanita's Response https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/242149486 Smartphones have definitely affected personal conversations with colleagues and students at school.  Most of the teachers at my school have their cellphones out ALL the time.  I'm a person that has to have you looking at me to let me know that you are listening, but most of the time they are texting someone, looking at emails, or on Facebook or whatever social media app. I believe that technology and face to face interactions can coexist when you set proper limitations. For example, in our staff meetings one of the main rules is to be here and now. That means to silence your device and be fully engaged in the conversation. If everyone could do that the conversation would be rich with all ideas and viewpoints heard. There is a certain respect that is given to each person that has the floor. It is a rule that students must turn their phones off during the day, so I also try to stay off of mine as an example. ]]> 2018-03-15 00:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/malcolm_brewster/oaiw2leqpqgk/wish/242149486