Magee_Mackenzie_SU2014



I had access to several forms of technology at an early age: my family had a desktop computer in which I could play games, access email and my Myspace account. I also grew up playing video games, including Playstation and Game Boy. I didn't have a cellphone until I was fourteen, and it was originally only programmed with my parent's names and my sister's name. My parents gave it to me so that I could call them when I was away from the home; however, because I was newly entering high school, it quickly became more of a social device than a communication device. I began texting and calling my friends regularly, and racking up phone charges as a result.

After the newness of my cell phone wore off, I felt something I have continued to feel to the present-day: a sense of unwanted obligation to my cell phone, as well as a feeling of surveillance and restriction that I constantly wanted to shake. Because I owned a cell-phone (and now, an IPhone), I can be contacted via text-message or email at any time of day, seven-days per week, only limited to moments when the phone is shut off or when there is no service. Though this wouldn't necessarily be a problem (people do have free-will, after all--couldn't my phone be off whenever I want it to be?) because of society's new dependence on technology, others EXPECT you to be attached to your device, and respond promptly--if you don't, you are subject to losing friends, missing meetings, or possibly even failing grades.

Thus, though I am a millennial and a willing participant of this technological generation, I also sometimes wish that we could be un-tied from our devices whenever we please, without consequences or the expectation that we are vacationing at a cabin, and--only due to lack of phone service--cannot respond to messages. Though I understand obligation to work and school, isn't being human and wanting to experience the present moment--free of outside entities--enough to turn your cell phone off?

My technology goals for the summer:

Goal 1: Create a research-based project for students using a technology tool. Goal 2: Create a list of technology resources that will help enforce all types of learners (visual, kinesthetic, audio, tactile, etc.) in my English classroom. Goal 3: Locate a new digital tool that might be useful in my classroom and become a user. Goal 4: Create a lesson plan that teaches students about copyright, as well as how to protect their information on the Internet. Goal 5: Create a lesson plan that explores the ethics of technology.

Link to portfolio:

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