Tech Talk-Digital Detox

DIGITAL DETOX

On June 29th, 2007 Apple released the first iPhone. Our digital world has never been the same. You can book a trip to Maui (don’t we wish), order dinner and pay your water bill all from the palm of your hand or comfort of your living room recliner on your laptop.

The digital age has, as you all know, changed how you educate children and communicate with parents. With so much time spent in front of a screen it’s not a bad idea to think about taking a digital detox and getting back to basics. Here’s how to make it happen:

Eliminate push notifications, alerts, beeps and such

Think about how many times your phone or computer dings during the day or sends you a small notification on the bottom of your screen or top of your phone. These notifications take attention away from your life and send your focus to your phone. Ironically, as I was typing this article I received a notification from a local newspaper.

Don't keep your phone in your pocket or at your side

Before you take your phone out, ask yourself-"is there something happening in front of me that I can be present for instead of burying my head in my phone?" The answer is usually, "yes." Resist the urge to use your phone out of boredom and scrolling through other people's social media accounts. Most people now use their cell phones for an alarm clock. Problem is, when that alarm goes off or you can't fall asleep, your phoneand all the social media connected to it-is right there in your bedroom when you're trying to sleep. The temptation to go online when you can't sleep or wake up early is great when your phone is right at your bedside. If you start using a regular alarm clock again, your bedroom becomes tech-free (or at least cell phone free) eliminating the distraction.

Clean out your social media accounts

You spring clean your house, do the same for your social media accounts. Go through and stop following people who annoy you with their posts. Stay their friend if you don't want to make them feel bad, but don't feel the need to clutter your life with people who post things you don't like, don't agree with or simply just annoy you.

Delete the mail app on your phone (when you're not working)

If you're on school break, you've earned a break. Do not, let me say this again, do not, check your email. If you must, delete the mail app from your phone and be present in your daily life. All the parent questions and emails will be there for you when you are back working. Only work when you are paid, and that includes checking and responding to email.

Highlighting good work in our public schools

MEA is pleased to have sponsored WGME-TV’s Forward Thinking segment that highlights the innovative work happening in our schools. Each story showcases the out-of-the box, hands-on learning happening in our schools and the extra effort put forth by our educators to create inspiring learning environments.

MEA believes in supporting programs that highlight our public schools so the public can better understand the work that is being done by our members. Below are just some of the stories featured on the special segment. To view these stories, head to our website at https://maineea.org/forward-thinking/

AUBURN

Auburn students create their own inventions through a STEM project. These students created a drier for their hockey equipment.

AUGUSTA

Students in Augusta thrive in a STEM class, testing vehicles they created that run on air.

BRUNSWICK

Students in Brunswick learn about how to become an EMT and a Certified Nursing Assistant through a class at Region 10 Tech.