As many of you might know by now, I'm a news-junkie! I guess that's because of my previous profession. I came across this great read on the CNN feed about a man named Paul Miller who stopped using the Internet for an entire year! He literally disconnected himself from technology and recently rejoined the digital world on May 1st. In the CNN post, a journalist questions Miller about what it was like to be Internet-less for the long duration. I think his answers to the questions are what we might expect. He was bored at times; he felt disconnected and unable to find information as easily; he learned things about himself that he didn't know. Miller also says in the post that he tweeted and rejoined the digital world pretty much the same as he left it. He did say that the time helped him to better understand that his circle of family and friends are important and that the Internet, technology and smart phones reduce our abilities to have personal relationships.
I completely embrace the use of the Internet and technology in my classroom when it is used properly. I, however, am always amazed that my students don't know what it's like NOT to have the Internet and technology. They just don't grasp the concept. This post about Paul Miller on CNN might actually be a great read for students to see what they wouldn't have without technology and to perhaps better appreciate the resources that it can provide when used properly. I might incorporate this into my classes this week!
Kelly, H. "Disconnected: My Year Without the Internet." CNN Tech. 10 May 2013. Web. Retrieved 11 May 2013 <http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/10/tech/web/paul-miller-internet-year/index.html?hpt=te_t1>
Jessica, I think it is a great think from time to time to "disconnect" yourself. What Miller did is something that I think we all should do from time to time to realize, like he said, the value in friends and family and what is really important in life. I know for myself that living without technology and the internet would be extremely hard! We get everything that we could possible want and more from it. I will try for long weekends to remove myself from my smart phone. When I do I feel more relaxed and calmer being away from it all. It’s important for our students to do the same so that they can really appreciate the value of "human contact".
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