In today’s fast moving, action-packed world of exciting gadgets, touch screens and wireless thingies, it’s easy to take for granted the wisdom of those who have traveled the road before us. It is important to consider what it means to live in a technology driven world. I am an enormous advocate of technology and it’s many uses but sometimes its important to take a step back.

The question we really need to ask ourselves is this: Are we pushing technology, or is technology pushing us?

New technologies are just another tool in the shed – and they are not always the sharpest!

Don’t forget how to use your head. As a technology teacher I will often throw in the odd maths question (usually a regular multiplication sum) just to see what my students do. The thing that amazes me is how often the students either reach for their calculator, or open the calculator app on their ipad. Now, I know that they would not be allowed to do that during their Maths class, so what is it that makes them instantly jump to their closest piece of technology? What is it that causes them to simply neglect to use that large muscle between their ears?

Technology controls you, unless you control it

We are constantly hearing words thrown around in the media about ‘cyber-bullying’ or ‘trolling’, and while these are deep-seeded issues that appear on the screens of our precious young people, there is one thing that many victims forget to do, that is;

To Take Control

What I mean is that those pieces of technology that we are so attached to ALL have an OFF switch. There are face to face ways of dealing with issues that happen online, or at the very least, accounts can be deleted.

Your next upgrade will be more about vanity than necessity

There… I said it! Why did everyone run out and purchase the iPhone 5? or the 3GS? Were they really that different from their predecessors? Did they make your phone calls more sophisticated? Did they earn you more money?

NO

Let’s not kid ourselves, you probably don’t need that new iPhone – ESPECIALLY if your existing phone is doing the job! You probably don’t need that new PC or Mac if all it will do is make you feel good while you browse Facebook!

Too often we are sucked into the marketing, the hype and the perceived social status attached to the latest technology. It is my challenge to you, next time you think about buying your next piece of technology, do you really need it? If the answer is yes, then enjoy it! If the answer is no, then wait! There will always be something new just around the corner.

So what are your thoughts? Do you agree with grandma’s understanding of technology and these tech tips?

- Brad Evans
(Teacherwebcoach.com – Create the ultimate digital classroom)