My Relationship with Technology

 Technology has always been an integral part of my life. However, nothing has impacted my life more than the iPhone. I know that this may seem like a rather basic device to choose, however I cannot think of an app or device that has influenced my daily life more. I got my first iPhone when I was in college. I remember thinking that there was no way that this touch screen phone was going to be as good as my flip phone with an old fashioned keyboard.

Image Source: Flickr

 

I was wrong!

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As time went on it became evident that this phone was going to change how I did almost everything in my life. First, it changed how I communicate with people. While I realize that my Motorola Razr also had many of the same capabilities, the way I communicated with other people changed drastically when I got the iPhone. Everyone I knew was available to me within seconds. I could text, call, video call, send a picture, send an email, etc. Also, it has allowed me to stay in contact with people who I do not see on a daily basis. Applications like Snapchat, Instagram, and even the New York Times games have allowed me to connect with people that I would probably not otherwise talk to on a daily basis. The iPhone has given me the ability to be constantly connected to the people that I care about the most. Additionally, in some ways, it made me more efficient at my job. I was able to check my email, respond to students, parents, or administrators immediately, from anywhere in the world. That being said, the iPhone has also negatively impacted my productivity over the years.

I know for sure that I am addicted to my phone. I have FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, and my iPhone magnifies this fear. Anytime my phone rings or vibrates, I feel the urge to see what is going on and respond immediately. I am aware that this is something that I totally inflict on myself, but having my phone just makes me aware of everything that is going on around me. Along the same lines, I am constantly distracted by conversations my friends are having in a group chat, that does not actually involve me. When my phone buzzes I am dying to see what I am missing. Obviously, this aspect of technology is having a slightly negative impact on my life.

In addition to the iPhone improving communication, it also has made my life much easier. I remember a time when I would print out MapQuest or use a paper map to find where I was going. I had to be planful and prepared every time I left the house. Now, I plug the address into my Maps app, and it guides me to where I need to be instantly. On top of that, if I make a wrong turn it will reroute me or make me aware of any roadblocks along the way. 

Finally, one of the features I love most on my iPhone is the camera. I have the iPhone 14 pro and my camera roll is full! Taking pictures allows me to remember important moments in my life and brings back happy memories. In fact, my phone often features certain pictures and even creates videos that feature the pictures from a specific time or event. This always brings a smile to my face. At times, it even prompts me to reach out to a friend or a family member to share the memory with them. It is fun to be reminded of where I have been, who I was with, and how things have changed over the years. 

The iPhone is a one stop shop for everything that I need to be successful. It allows me to communicate with people, stay on top of my job, find where I need to go, and keep track of important information. I will continue to use my iPhone for many years to come! At least until something better comes along!

All about me...

 Hi, everyone!

Welcome to my blog! I just want to start out by saying that I have NEVER blogged before in my life, and it is a little daunting! I will also say, it reminds me of the movie Easy A, which I highly recommend if you have never seen it! If you want to learn more about it, you can click this link to the IMDb page for the movie. 

Anyway, my name is Ashley Shaw and I am a math teacher (and Freshman B Volleyball Coach) at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois. I grew up in Elmwood Park, which is a quick seven minute drive from East Leyden, but I currently live in Palatine. I got my bachelor's degree in secondary education/math from Illinois State University. I also have two master's degrees from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology. Additionally, I have an EL and Special Education endorsement.  

In my spare time I love to travel, spend time with friends and family, take walks, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, and go to trivia with my friends! Below I have included a picture of my friend/co-teacher, Anthony, me, and my other friend/co-worker Jen at a ceramics class from the summer. The other photo is of my trivia team. 

 

(Image source: Ashley Shaw)                            (Image source: Ashley Shaw)

Technology has been a part of my life for a very long time. I am a millennial, and I can honestly say that technology acts as a marker for various events in my life. I lived at a time before the internet was in everyone's house or at everyone's fingertips. We got our first, family computer when I was in fifth grade, it was a huge desktop and I loved it! I got my first cell phone in eighth grade, but I could only make phone calls, I thought I was so cool! Then in college I had to beg my parents to let me get texting so that I could keep up with all of my new friends. That brings us to today, I have smart lights in my house, a smart phone, my garage door is even connected to WIFI. I would say that I am very comfortable with technology, but there is still a lot for me to learn. 

In my classroom technology is an integral part of my lessons. Students in my school are one-to-one, and we use their Chromebooks on a regular basis. In most of my classes I have a flipped classroom, and I have created videos that my students watch every night through EdPuzzle. I enjoy being able to see what my students have done, and interact with them in a private and individual manner through EdPuzzle. Additionally, as a math teacher, I use Desmos.com constantly! It is by far my favorite piece of technology! It is a free, online, graphing calculator. That allows me to create interactive activities and it allows my students to graph, make tables, and so much more! I will definitely be highlighting this tool very soon! 

 (Image Source: Giphy)

At this point, I am thoroughly overwhelmed by this class! However, I know myself and I know that this is just a reaction to information overload. I have to keep reminding myself that the beginning of something new is always stressful because there are so many unknowns. I know that by the end of this course I will walk away with so much more information in my toolbox, new websites, blogs, podcasts, etc. that will enhance my teaching and help my students to learn and grow.

Thanks!