I am holding a mobile device. It can be linked via cellular telecommunications to a network. This link allows my device to upload and download information -data- with a swipe and a tap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a citizen of the planet, I typically use my cellphone for texts and calls. As a student, I need my device to access my course content. As a social being, I use the camera and social apps a lot. As a product of the current lifestyle suggested in my surrounding (North American) culture, I am pushed to share and receive news instantly, irregardless of my location. All in all, I do not think data is necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
I have the luxury of wifi at home. I do take photos. I do connect online. I just don’t do it everywhere! I check my online messages and share stories and photos when I get home, and I receive phone calls or texts during the day. The lack of personal online access at work helps me focus professionally. My data is my connection to my personal life, and I keep it personal by leaving it at home.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Admittedly, being a student in an online course is has been difficult! Videos are online, and so are many course discussions. I could download websites to peruse during my downtime while out and about, but I had to shift my contributions and video-watching to time at home.
Here’s the thing: by being offline during the day, I could ponder questions, and think through my responses. I feel as though meditating on the subject while being offline helped me internalize the learning material. Any person handling both work life and student life will find their time compressed, and with a few scheduling adjustments I have been able to navigate my MET degree with a data-free connection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
I wish to use this mobile device for short-duration telephone calls or text communications, and as a student I also use it as a notepad and textbook. I need this data-free network gap in order to be able to Look Up<\/a><\/em>, and to rely on my physical senses and skills. I use maps instead of GPS, and I check store hours and bus schedules before leaving the house. I ponder before I share. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I wish to use this mobile device for short-duration telephone calls or text communications, and as a student I also use it as a notepad and textbook.<\/p>\n
My choice is meant to reduce the mobile device to a tool that I can pick up and <\/strong>put away. This course discusses how to use mobile devices in education, and I hope this post starts a conversation about how we use these electronic tools holistically<\/em> as well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n