So, here's my thought on an ISTE space: Why not create a Digital Detox lounge? We could have tables with clay or Legos (old school, not robotic) and Apples to Apples. They could set typewriters on tables and have some books showing how to make origami creatures out of the advertisements in our registration packet. Maybe we could have some acoustic guitars and let Kevin Honeycutt start a jam session.
Who knows? Maybe Gregory Hill could find a partner for a game of Magic while I started a game of Banana Grams. We could have Words with Friends while having words with friends and talk Plato over Play Dough. I'm not sure what criteria we would stick to. Perhaps no screens and no plugs allowed.
And it wouldn't be for irony. It would be earnest. We would rethink the terms "hands-on" and "connected" and creative in a space where we could play and be creative. It wouldn't be anti-tech, per se, just a space outside of technology where we could hang out. photo credit:
bitzi ☂ ion-bogdan dumitrescu via photo pin cc
I actually think this is a fabulous idea! We will give this serious thought. #digital #detox #ISTE13
ReplyDeleteWarmest regards,
Deborah Mersino
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
ISTE
Let me know if you want to continue this conversation. Maybe detox is too harsh a word. Maybe Luddite Lounge would work better.
DeleteI love this idea.
DeleteI love it John!! Sometimes it is nice to just sit and chat and get zoned into the conversation instead of trying to look up the last website mentioned or download the app that was just discussed. My ADD may kick in though if I have Legos in front of me....
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's no ADD so much as focussing in on what really matters. Maybe the digital distraction is what gets in the way of Lego time ;)
DeleteLove the idea John. Can't remember where I read this recently, but I remember the sentiment that you have to disconnect (from your tech) to connect with people who are right there with you. This is not a novel concept, but is one that I need to remind myself of.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I have to set up some rigid rules for myself regarding social media and when I turn it off.
Deleteon the #jococruisecrazy (Nerd Cruise!) a number of people join the wifi-temperance brigade -- taking pride in de-linking. I love the idea of a tech-free zone, but i also think that it is an interim step to teaching the need to develop our "present in the moment" muscles. Digital citizenship requires the ability to detach and connect as it is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteHad a personal experience where i realized i was so focused on a live-tweet feed that i was missing the conversation. It was WRENCHING to close tweetdeck and switch to evernote so that i could refocus on the message in front of me. If that is a skill i am still developing, it is worth teaching in schools.
Interesting. I avoided the tweet-ups that people were having for that reason. The idea of meeting in person with people and then being online while it happened felt a little too frenetic for what I wanted from a conference experience.
DeleteIf people are hooked on their gadgets, drawing rushes of dopamine every time a new message comes up, well, detox may well be the right word.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could even hold a conference in there. Or out under the sky.
I say this very seriously: we might need to do a Digital Detox conference. I'm absolutely serious about it. Not sure how we would pull it off, but I think there might be some clamming involved.
DeleteISTE may not be the best choice. Why bother doing it at a tech conference. We should have a 4-5 day unconference here by the river. No tech, just talk (and camping and cooking ;) The ideas are more important anyway.
ReplyDeleteLet's make that happen. After seeing your Twitter comments, I'm convinced that you have a purpose.
DeleteReminds me of the Canadians unplugged conference. I loved the reflections & e-book that came out of that time away together. If this develops, I'm in.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking William really wants to make it happen. I have a hunch that it would be a closer drive to Will's place than it would be for me.
DeleteI would spend a lot of time is said room, better yet, I am with Will the river sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a river-based conference. Brings a whole new meaning (or old meaning) to the term "what's in the stream."
DeleteThe idea would be hit run away! CV Examples
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Emily Printz and I am a student in EDM 310 at the University of South Alabama. I was reading your blog and came across this post. It is very true that people today are very attached to their technological gadgets. I know I am.
ReplyDeleteYour "digital detox" idea is interesting. I think that it would be a great idea just to have one day to get away from it all. I do love my gadgets, but I think that it is important not to let them consume your life. While there is a lot that can be accomplished by technology, there is still many other ways to learn, communicate, and have fun.
I think there is a danger in being such a consumer that products consume you. To me, that's the real danger that we need to think about as we push for technology integration.
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ReplyDeleteChocolate or regional snacks would be great. Being in Arizona, I would have to bring some spicy candy or some Takis.
DeleteSorry...I had posted with a meaningless ID, so reposted below.
DeleteThis is an outstanding idea. If you toss the question of naming the space out to #iste Twitter, you'll get 100 suggestions, all from people who could probably benefit from this space, myself among them. I love the idea of Legos and things to touch and people to talk to. A little chocolate might be good, too. In our BOF session, we brought snacks from our home locations. People could ( voluntarily) do the same:
ReplyDeleteBring chips, but no chips...?
I just did a short presentation on Social Media Addiction at CEGSA conference in South Australia. I would be more than happy to present at ITSE about this as I have a particular interest in dependency and this is a real issue that can be as destructive as other addictions as we know them. Although people who work in this field tend not to associate themselves as having dependency on their phones or computers they acknowledge they are "married" to the computer, can't live without it etc but then really have a very hard time (including sometimes experiencing very real physical withdrawals) when their technology can't be accessed or used. It's concerning!!
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion to participants at my session was to record the amount of time they spend 'on' in a week (to the minute). My guess is most would be surprised if not shocked by their tally results and could then put into place strategies (and cognitive behaviour therapy ones would be as good a start as any) if they thought this was appropriate. Alternatively, my advice is to get professional support.