“They don’t only change what we do, they change who we are”
I think this is a powerful quote from Sherry Turkle, referencing the ‘little devices in our pockets’. I don’t think any of us would argue that this is certainly true. When I think back to my life before my smartphone, I don’t know how I got through day-to-day life. Or to a time before laptops and computer and the internet- the change is enormous. Gone are the days where I would sit at the table and argue with my father over who acted in a movie- now I whip out my phone and get the answer, no reason to question or argue because I had proof. When I think back on these things, I can’t help but start to think about my students. I remember a time before these technologies. Although it would be an enormous change and inconvenience, I do know how to survive without them. When the power goes out, I will persevere without going crazy- but what about our students? They’ve never known a time without the internet or modern technologies. If this is their ‘starting point’, where will they end up?
Kathryn Hawco
