Class Talk Fall 2016

It was definitely a challenge to disconnect from all electronic devices for a day – or even part of a day. It did make me realize how dependent we are on our computers and phones for communication, school, news, and entertainment.

I was able to avoid use of my phone while I was at Church last Sunday, and it was a perfect opportunity to observe people. For the first couple of hours, I was able to engage in many conversations with people outside of texting or calling. It definitely makes communication more meaningful. There is an added dynamic and meaning to words when you’re able to view a person’s facial expression. The last couple of hours, I spent helping in my church nursery. I helped watch and play with nearly 20 three-year olds. It was definitely amusing listening to them try new vocabulary words that weren’t always within their proper context, and interact with each other in limited ways: “you need to share,” “you’re my friend,” “I’m this many years old…” The nursery was an entirely different world with unique dynamics in conversation and interaction that contrasted very sharply from the previous couple hours I spent conversing with adults.

This was a challenging assignment, because so many people try to contact you via your electronic devices even if you decide to put them away for a day… or part of a day. It was interesting seeing how many people constantly walk around with their phone in their hand ready to use, but it was also interesting to see the difference in facial expression when people were engaging with each other instead of with text messages. There was more genuine enjoyment written on their faces. I enjoyed the opportunity to make a conscious effort to engage with others outside of electronic devices.

It was definitely a challenge to disconnect from all electronic devices for a day – or even part of a day. It did make me realize how dependent we are on our computers and phones for communication, school, news, and entertainment.

I was able to avoid use of my phone while I was at Church last Sunday, and it was a perfect opportunity to observe people. For the first couple of hours, I was able to engage in many conversations with people outside of texting or calling. It definitely makes communication more meaningful. There is an added dynamic and meaning to words when you’re able to view a person’s facial expression. The last couple of hours, I spent helping in my church nursery. I helped watch and play with nearly 20 three-year olds. It was definitely amusing listening to them try new vocabulary words that weren’t always within their proper context, and interact with each other in limited ways: “you need to share,” “you’re my friend,” “I’m this many years old…” The nursery was an entirely different world with unique dynamics in conversation and interaction that contrasted very sharply from the previous couple hours I spent conversing with adults.

This was a challenging assignment, because so many people try to contact you via your electronic devices even if you decide to put them away for a day… or part of a day. It was interesting seeing how many people constantly walk around with their phone in their hand ready to use, but it was also interesting to see the difference in facial expression when people were engaging with each other instead of with text messages. There was more genuine enjoyment written on their faces. I enjoyed the opportunity to make a conscious effort to engage with others outside of electronic devices.

On Saturday, I decided to disconnect from technology, and let’s just say it was not as easy as I had thought. At first, it was really difficult for me to distract myself with something other than my phone. As the day progressed, I managed to get past the urge to use my phone, by using my time wisely and doing some studying. I realized that without my phone, I was able to get more studying done without having my phone buzzing every 30 seconds. After studying, I had lunch with my family, which during meal times I usually plug in my headphones and I’m on my phone the entire time, but this time I actually joined the conversation and I got to hear how everyone’s day was going and I even interacted with my younger siblings, which I haven’t done much of lately. Usually, after a meal, I go to my room and I watch some TV, turn use my laptop, or go on my phone, but I knew I needed to distract myself, so I decided to play with my 6 years old brother. I helped him with his homework and we even went to get a haircut together and some ice cream afterward, something we haven’t done in awhile, due to me being busy with school and work. It wasn’t until around 7 o’clock, where I could not find anything around me to distract me from using technology, so unfortunately, at this time, I gave in and I pulled out my phone and started checking all my missed calls, texts, and emails I had received throughout the day. This exercise really made me realize that I use technology almost every second of the day, more than I probably should. I also realized that I don’t have to be on my phone when I’m eating a meal with my family. It was eye-opening to see how much I miss out on during meal times and all the conversations that go on, such as hearing about how everyone is doing. I realized that it’s quite disrespectful to my family to plug in my headphones and block them out during meals. I noticed that during meals, my family talks about a lot of things, such as the presidential election, scandals, school, upcoming events, and much more. Not paying attention leaves me out of the loop and I’m not aware of issues that my siblings might be going through, such as filling out college applications and parent-teacher conferences. After a couple of hours without technology, I can say that I need to change my habits, like putting my phone away for awhile, and  pay attention to the things going around me because someone might need my attention. I learned that I need to disconnect more often from technology because there are more important things going on around me, than a new Youtube video

On Saturday, I decided to disconnect from technology, and let’s just say it was not as easy as I had thought. At first, it was really difficult for me to distract myself with something other than my phone. As the day progressed, I managed to get past the urge to use my phone, by using my time wisely and doing some studying. I realized that without my phone, I was able to get more studying done without having my phone buzzing every 30 seconds. After studying, I had lunch with my family, which during meal times I usually plug in my headphones and I’m on my phone the entire time, but this time I actually joined the conversation and I got to hear how everyone’s day was going and I even interacted with my younger siblings, which I haven’t done much of lately. Usually, after a meal, I go to my room and I watch some TV, turn use my laptop, or go on my phone, but I knew I needed to distract myself, so I decided to play with my 6 years old brother. I helped him with his homework and we even went to get a haircut together and some ice cream afterward, something we haven’t done in awhile, due to me being busy with school and work. It wasn’t until around 7 o’clock, where I could not find anything around me to distract me from using technology, so unfortunately, at this time, I gave in and I pulled out my phone and started checking all my missed calls, texts, and emails I had received throughout the day. This exercise really made me realize that I use technology almost every second of the day, more than I probably should. I also realized that I don’t have to be on my phone when I’m eating a meal with my family. It was eye-opening to see how much I miss out on during meal times and all the conversations that go on, such as hearing about how everyone is doing. I realized that it’s quite disrespectful to my family to plug in my headphones and block them out during meals. I noticed that during meals, my family talks about a lot of things, such as the presidential election, scandals, school, upcoming events, and much more. Not paying attention leaves me out of the loop and I’m not aware of issues that my siblings might be going through, such as filling out college applications and parent-teacher conferences. After a couple of hours without technology, I can say that I need to change my habits, like putting my phone away for awhile, and  pay attention to the things going around me because someone might need my attention. I learned that I need to disconnect more often from technology because there are more important things going on around me, than a new Youtube video

I was able to stay disconnected for about 4 hours on Sunday. I turned my phone off (probably for the first time ever), I shut down my computer, and my TV. I was able to notice with time how board I got. I was able to notice how silent the house was and how every one of my family members were either watching TV, on their phone or computer. It made me realize how dependent and hooked our generation is on technology. Disconnecting from technology allowed me to really focus on reading without distraction from my phone. At times I would grab my phone without realizing, just to check it and then notice it was turned off for a reason. This really made me realize how hooked and dependent I was on my phone. With this realization, I decided from now on I would turn off my phone or keep it on silent while I study just to see how much more studying and work I could focus on and get done. This was a very interesting and eye opening activity.

This assignment was really hard for me. I realized how dependent I am on technology! I started the morning off strong and never checked my phone, stayed away from the computer, and all other electronics. I spent some great quality time with my kids and was totally focused on them without allowing anything else to distract me. I left my house later that afternoon to go study and quickly realized that studying wouldn’t be as easy without access to my powerpoint slides and the internet. I continued to stay strong and did reading from my book. After an hour or so I had heard multiple text messages come through my phone and it then rang twice. I couldn’t help but to check my phone to make sure my kids were ok and it wasn’t the babysitter calling about an emergency. After I caved in once it was really hard not to do it again! So much of our class material and resources are online and I really wanted to follow the powerpoints as I read the book and studied. I ended up taking my computer out and using it. In total I lasted about 6 or 7 hours and also managed to get my sister really annoyed with me for “ignoring” her texts from earlier that day. It was a big eye opener on how dependent we all are on technology. The quality time I spent with my family by putting my phone and other electronics away was really fun and we all enjoyed it. It made me realize I need to work on making a more conscious effort to be more present in the time I do spend with them and make time that is free from distractions and electronics.

This assignment was really hard for me. I realized how dependent I am on technology! I started the morning off strong and never checked my phone, stayed away from the computer, and all other electronics. I spent some great quality time with my kids and was totally focused on them without allowing anything else to distract me. I left my house later that afternoon to go study and quickly realized that studying wouldn’t be as easy without access to my powerpoint slides and the internet. I continued to stay strong and did reading from my book. After an hour or so I had heard multiple text messages come through my phone and it then rang twice. I couldn’t help but to check my phone to make sure my kids were ok and it wasn’t the babysitter calling about an emergency. After I caved in once it was really hard not to do it again! So much of our class material and resources are online and I really wanted to follow the powerpoints as I read the book and studied. I ended up taking my computer out and using it. In total I lasted about 6 or 7 hours and also managed to get my sister really annoyed with me for “ignoring” her texts from earlier that day. It was a big eye opener on how dependent we all are on technology. The quality time I spent with my family by putting my phone and other electronics away was really fun and we all enjoyed it. It made me realize I need to work on making a more conscious effort to be more present in the time I do spend with them and make time that is free from distractions and electronics.

This assignment was really hard for me. I realized how dependent I am on technology! I started the morning off strong and never checked my phone, stayed away from the computer, and all other electronics. I spent some great quality time with my kids and was totally focused on them without allowing anything else to distract me. I left my house later that afternoon to go study and quickly realized that studying wouldn’t be as easy without access to my powerpoint slides and the internet. I continued to stay strong and did reading from my book. After an hour or so I had heard multiple text messages come through my phone and it then rang twice. I couldn’t help but to check my phone to make sure my kids were ok and it wasn’t the babysitter calling about an emergency. After I caved in once it was really hard not to do it again! So much of our class material and resources are online and I really wanted to follow the powerpoints as I read the book and studied. I ended up taking my computer out and using it. In total I lasted about 6 or 7 hours and also managed to get my sister really annoyed with me for “ignoring” her texts from earlier that day. It was a big eye opener on how dependent we all are on technology. The quality time I spent with my family by putting my phone and other electronics away was really fun and we all enjoyed it. It made me realize I need to work on making a more conscious effort to be more present in the time I do spend with them and make time that is free from distractions and electronics.

This assignment was really hard for me. I realized how dependent I am on technology! I started the morning off strong and never checked my phone, stayed away from the computer, and all other electronics. I spent some great quality time with my kids and was totally focused on them without allowing anything else to distract me. I left my house later that afternoon to go study and quickly realized that studying wouldn’t be as easy without access to my powerpoint slides and the internet. I continued to stay strong and did reading from my book. After an hour or so I had heard multiple text messages come through my phone and it then rang twice. I couldn’t help but to check my phone to make sure my kids were ok and it wasn’t the babysitter calling about an emergency. After I caved in once it was really hard not to do it again! So much of our class material and resources are online and I really wanted to follow the powerpoints as I read the book and studied. I ended up taking my computer out and using it. In total I lasted about 6 or 7 hours and also managed to get my sister really annoyed with me for “ignoring” her texts from earlier that day. It was a big eye opener on how dependent we all are on technology. The quality time I spent with my family by putting my phone and other electronics away was really fun and we all enjoyed it. It made me realize I need to work on making a more conscious effort to be more present in the time I do spend with them and make time that is free from distractions and electronics.

This assignment was really hard for me. I realized how dependent I am on technology! I started the morning off strong and never checked my phone, stayed away from the computer, and all other electronics. I spent some great quality time with my kids and was totally focused on them without allowing anything else to distract me. I left my house later that afternoon to go study and quickly realized that studying wouldn’t be as easy without access to my powerpoint slides and the internet. I continued to stay strong and did reading from my book. After an hour or so I had heard multiple text messages come through my phone and it then rang twice. I couldn’t help but to check my phone to make sure my kids were ok and it wasn’t the babysitter calling about an emergency. After I caved in once it was really hard not to do it again! So much of our class material and resources are online and I really wanted to follow the powerpoints as I read the book and studied. I ended up taking my computer out and using it. In total I lasted about 6 or 7 hours and also managed to get my sister really annoyed with me for “ignoring” her texts from earlier that day. It was a big eye opener on how dependent we all are on technology. The quality time I spent with my family by putting my phone and other electronics away was really fun and we all enjoyed it. It made me realize I need to work on making a more conscious effort to be more present in the time I do spend with them and make time that is free from distractions and electronics.