You want to know the frustration level of kids in your class? I have a simple idea. Got to a technology conference that makes it hard for you to use your technology.
Kids are connected in every aspect of their lives. They are connected to the iPods, cellphones, email, social sites, and more. They live, as one YouTube video put it, in the “nearly now.” They live in that space just after their last tweet, plurk, and post. They thrive there. They use their critical thinking skills to figure out how things work without having to ask an adult (or a teacher). They want to use these tools.
And if they can’t?
Well, let me tell you a little story.
I just went to our state technology conference. There were a lot of great sessions (including my own! ha!). I walked in and asked what the code was to gain access to the wifi in the convention center. I was told I could PAY to gain access, or I could use the cyber cafe in the exhibit hall. I was a little miffed.
I wanted to blog immediately about the sessions I was in. I wanted to update my Twitter profile. I wanted to connect with my Facebook friends. I wanted to make sure my substitute teacher was ok (which she wasn’t, but I couldn’t find that out easily). So many things I wanted to do. But the education powers that be refused to allow it (I know, I know, cost is a major factor here. But isn’t it always?)
Did I enjoy the conference? Most of it. Did I learn some things? A couple. Did I disconnect from most of what was going on because I was so frustrated that I couldn’t the tools I came there to learn? You betcha.
And so do our kids.
I’m heading to the Mid-South Technology Conference in Memphis next week. I can only hope things are different.