l.+Chapter+11+-+Balancing+Act

Chapter 11 - Balancing Act

With the icreased technology that is available to students today, it is easy for them to lose the "human touch." Students today rely on each other through their instant messages and texts. Because of this, it may be necessary to to reteach some face-to-face skills as it is vital to brain - compatible classrooms. As educators, there are some steps we can take to create a healthy balance between the "high-tech" world of today and the necessary personal skills that are being lost.

1. Balance creativity with technology ; Cooperative group work can have rules set as to how much time is needed for technology)blogs, skypes) and non-digital sharing(oral discussions).

2. Provide time for reflection - Reflection uses different parts of the brain and allows the overworked (technology) areas to get some much needed rest.

3. Emphasize face-to-face interactions - Take away the "toys" and Be Here Now! Teach students to learn how to read emotions facially instead of the emoticons sent technically.

4. Use technical skills wisely - Keep up to dates with srudents tech skills so they feel the need to please and impress us with their skills. It will create more respect and motivation.

5. Engane brains with interactive whiteboards - We all know the benefits to these!!!

6. Build Emotional literacy - Teach students to read their own emotions in order to better understand those of those around them.

7. Encourage mindfulness - Provide a time for quiet and calm...teach meditation.

8. Encourage High-Concept and High-Youch Apptitudes - Tell stories...it is an excellent way to teach conceptual understandings and emotional connectedness.