Technology Interview

Alex, my roommate, is a twenty -year old Kinesiology major at Anderson University. She enjoys watching baseball, hammocking, and going out with friends. A self-proclaimed city girl, she still enjoys the pleasure of paper books and solitude from technology. She actively engages in technology for her current college courses, but that does not stop her from enjoying the social media that her iPhone apps offer.

During the interview, Alex’s Macbook Pro sits tilted on her lap pillow. She adjusts her glasses, as I proceed with the questions.
“Alex, how old were you when you began using the computer? How did you become affluent in using it?”
“Oh, wow, probably around seven years old? I taught myself. I used to play this game called “Mister Fox” which enforced memory retention. I also painted using the Microsoft app, “Paint”. And “Solitude” was always a favorite when I was little. But, my computer class at school taught me a lot.”

“I remember those games! Wow, times have changed. How do you think your experience with technology has changed compared to the new generation of students today? Do they differ?”

Alex laughs at the realization of how fast time is flying, “Wow, they really are completely different. There is much better technology now. Like, they have tablets, iPhones, etc. We didn’t even have fast Internet. We had dial-up! You know, the internet connection that made all those prehistoric noises.”

“Alex, do you think self teaching is effective?  Should schools have a technology centers for students to engage in? What might be the benefit of this?”

She pauses, and thinks about this idea. It is obvious that the thought has never occurred to her, her generation growing up in school was lucky to even have a computer in the classroom. To ponder the thought of an enter area of the school building dedicated to new technology exploration is beyond what our generation can fathom at the moment.

“Well,  I do think self teaching can be effective. The kids will remember how because they did it themselves, rather than having to follow a set of directions and instructions on how to use the new tool. But the technology center? That’s a tough question. It sounds like a waste of money to me. I feel like that money should be put towards nonperishable, non-outdatable items for the school, such as textbooks and supplies. Textbooks can last years but machines can break and change and require annual updates. Kids need to learn how to open a book and read, rather than being stimulated constantly by lights, sounds, and buttons. I would want my kids to be engaged with other students in the classroom, not focused on a screen. I mean, I think technology is great, but do you see what I’m saying?”

Altogther, the interview with Alex went well. She pondered many of the questions, thinking about them for the first time. Many people are beginning to do the same, as well. Times are changing and the classrooms must figure out how to best fit the needs of the 21^st century students.