Blog Assignment #13- E-Media Fast

When I first read this assignment I knew it would be a challenge for me. However, I did not anticipate how difficult this challenge would be. The assignment was to go 24 hours without using any device powered by electricity or batteries. The banned items include cellphones, computers, televisions, and mp3 players. The challenge also stated that if we fail the challenge within the 24 hours, we are supposed to start over. Three times is the maximum amount of times we can start over.
I knew it would be difficult for me to complete this challenge, but I honestly did not expect to have to start over. I had to start over the maximum three times and I could not go the full 24 hours without using the banned items. Television was the easiest item to give up, there is never anything good on anyways. The most difficult item to give up was my cellphone. We do not have a land line at my house, so cellphones are what we use to keep in contact with one another. I told my family and friends about the challenge and told them not to text or call me for 24 hours. Most of my friends stuck to their word, but my mom and my husband still called and messaged me.
Another difficult item to give up was my computer. All of my classes this semester require the use of the internet. Therefore, 80% of my homework has to be completed online. Although I have to complete my homework online, I have to admit I mostly use the internet for personal use. Not getting on Facebook and Twitter for 24 hours was quite a challenge! I stuck to not getting on Twitter for 24 hours, but I gave in on the Facebook challenge.
This challenge has opened my eyes to how much I rely on technology. I rely on it not only in my personal life, but also in my academic life as well. Although I do know that at some point in my life I was not so reliant on technology, I cannot remember what that was like. I can only imagine what my students will be like when I begin teaching. When I was in elementary school, there was no need for rules about cellphones or text messaging. Nowadays, there has to be rules about cellphones because the majority of children have cell phones. On one hand, it is a good thing that children are getting used to technology because they will definitely need it throughout their schooling and when they start their careers. However, on the other hand, too much technology does not allow children the full experience of being children. For example, kids play video games rather than going outside to play; kids as young as five years old are getting cellphones. My parents did not allow me to get a cell phone until I was 16 when I began driving and at that point, a cell phone was necessary. I am in favor of children having access to technology; however, I am not in favor of  children being completely engulfed by technology (such as cellphones and mp3 players).

In closing, I think that technology is a wonderful tool for children that can be used in classrooms and at home. I also think that kids' use of technology should be monitored and controlled so they do not become completely reliant on technology.