Observation #2

In addition to a previous post (observing other students),  I also observed myself and how many times I used technology. I started as soon as I woke up.  Due to habit, I turned on my phone and checked to see if I received any text messages- none. I then took a shower and got on my computer to check my Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo and Tumblr accounts. I then had breakfast and watched TV. After that I left for school. On my way driving to school, I caught myself on my cell phone text messaging (a bad habit I'm trying to break). Once I got to school, I headed towards to computer lab and got on the computers to finalize an assignment. I then went to my English class. I checked my phone three times in a five minute time period. On my way to my next class, I held my phone checking it every other minute thinking it vibrated as if I received a notification of something. Throughout my biology class I used my laptop to refer to the powerpoint for the lecture and get on Facebook and Twitter. I also used my cell phone to text message. After I was done with that class, I went back to the computer lab to finalize yet another assignment. I tallied every time I checked my cell phone. The results were staggering. Over the course of the day (from 8:00 A.M- 7:30 P.M) I checked my phone almost 300 times! These result obviously indicate I have a problem with my cell phone. I do try to lessen my use of it. Whenever I am in the car I try to text less by only looking at a text message at stop lights when they are red rather than while I am driving. When I am at school I put my cellphone one silent in my backpack so I won't check it as often. By not hearing or feeling it go off, I am not tempted to look at it. 

Because I text and drive, I found this video very interesting. Viewer discretion is advised. It is graphic. \

Here is a picture of me that was taken at my high school graduation using my cell phone as a mirror to check my cap. Unfortunately, it was taken as I was moving so my face looks weird.

Observation #1

Earlier today I observed students' use of technology. I watched them in class, between classes, in computer labs and in the school library. I was very surprised at how many students were on their cell phones alone (not to mention how many were on the school computers doing everything but their homework). First I started in class. The first class I observed was my Anatomy and Physiology class. There are about 30 or so students. Eleven of them were using their cell phones throughout class. An additional five were on their laptops checking out what's the latest news on their Facebook wall. I then moved on to my Psychology class. To my surprise, only a few were on their cell phone (maybe three or so throughout class, so it wasn't too bad). Then I made my way to the computer lab to see how many people were doing everything but their homework on the computers. I walked around inconspicuously and noticed 13 students were either on a social networking website or playing online games. After that, I made my way to the Starbucks area to see how many (if any) students were socializing face-to-face. I was once again surprised. Students were actually talking face-to-face. Yes, some of them were engrossed in their cellphones, but a majority of the students were socializing with each other without the aid of their phone. The library was the last area I went to observe. Even though students were using their laptops, it was for homework. This days' worth of observation made it clear that students are more focused on social networking and online video gaming than school work.

Here is a picture mocking me about how I think I looked while observing (spying) on the other students.

Here is a video of a teacher who breaks a students cell phone for using it during class

Interview with student

I interviewed a student at Arizona Western College about the benefits or the harms of technology. The student I interviewed is a second year college student studying to earn his teaching degree. He feels that technology helps us. His mother is a Nurse and is constantly using technology to treat patients. This is just one example of why he feels technology has helped us. He also teaches part time and encourages his students to take advantage of technology, particularly the internet to assist them with homework as much as they need. I asked him how much he uses technology (his cell phone, laptop etc..) on a daily basis. He said he is constantly on his smart phone checking his emails for work and professors for school and text messaging other people about class. He is always using his laptop to turn in assignments and work on ones that are due. I also asked if he thinks technology hurts us and to give an example. The only example he provided was society takes advantage of it in the wrong ways. I asked why he feels that way. He responded by saying "Yes I myself am on Facebook a lot, but not to the extent of leaving my kid to drown in the bath tub (he was referring to an incident that occurred three years ago when a mother was on Facebook and forgot her child was in the bathtub). People are constantly on their phones, laptops and watching TV. Some of my friends can't remember the last time they wrote a genuine letter to someone; they're relying solely on text messaging for communication. It's just sad." At the end of the interview I asked if he is for or against technology. He said "I am for technology as long as it's used in a beneficial way."

Below is a video about whether or not technology is hurting kids socially.

Here's just an image of a little survey.

Who Am I?

Hey there! I'm Sean and I'm 18 years old. I was born in Germany but moved  to the U.S because my dad was in the Army. I currently go to Arizona Western College. I plan on majoring in Administrative Nursing and minoring in Clinical Psychology. College life is becoming difficult. Finals are approaching and projects and essays are getting piled up on me. Thankfully technology is a big part of college for me. I use it for everything. I use my laptop to type up my essays, my Ipad to get on Google when I'm not home to search something up, and my cell phone to contact people at school. I also take advantage of the computer labs to get those last minute assignments printed out. The school library computer system has become very helpful when looking for books and documentaries. Not only is technology a part of my college life, but I practically revolve around it socially too. From texting and instant messaging to video chatting, writing letters has practically become obsolete.  I can't even remember the last time I wrote a letter; eight? nine years ago? I find myself on my smart phone checking every two to three minutes to see if I received a text message, a notification on Facebook, or simply because I thought I felt it vibrate as if I did receive one of these. In addition, I find myself not only on Facebook, but also on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and Yahoo to see what's the latest news. I am constantly on my phone from the time I wake up, to when I go to bed; In the car, during classes and even during dinner- all day every day.