I am “Obsessive”

After reading chapter one and two, I wanted to take the Pewinternet.org’s “What Type of Tech User are You?” quiz referenced in the reading. This question seems relevant given the focus of this course and I wanted a pseudo-professional diagnosis, so I could plan accordingly to be a more effective and strategic user of technology in the classroom. Unfortunately, it appears that the research center took down the quiz. But I didn’t let this stop me. I decided to take another quiz by the same name offered on www.uquiz.com. Based on my responses to eight questions regarding my cell phone type, etiquette and preferences and social media presence, I’m apparently “Obsessive”. To clarify, according to this website:

My phone is constantly in my hand and I see screens more than I do the real world. I panic more than just a little on the inside when I can't find my phone and I’m known for being a constant presence on all types of social media.

While I do constantly check my phone to check text messages, email and twitter, some of the other characterizations of my affliction were off. I do not “panic” when I can’t find my iPhone and while I do have accounts with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr, none of my friends would vouch for me as someone with a constant or active presence on any of these sites.

Despite the mischaracterization, I was pleased that I was tech savvy enough, in the eyes of the quiz makers, to be considered “Obsessive”. As a “digital immigrant”, meaning that I wasn’t honing my fine motor skills on my parents’ iPad as a toddler, it’s reassuring to know that I am not out of touch with the technology that is so popular these days with millennials and my seven year old.

As an enrichment teacher, this past summer, I recognized the value of technology in the classroom and used it often actually. However, whether I was incorporating videos from Brainpop Jr. or National Geographic Kids, I always knew that these resources supported my lesson and they were not the standalone lesson. In other words, although I’m an “obsessive” user of technology, as a prospective educator, I don’t want to rely solely on technology when teaching but rather use it to enhance my lessons. While some edutech companies may oversell technology in the classroom, I think the focus should be on filling each teacher’s “toolbox” of resources with the caveat that these are optional tools not mandatory tools. Given the various learning styles of my future students, I think it is important to create lively classroom experiences where all the students are engaged in the learning process. I think using technology can facilitate that learning and I look forward to using my “obsessive” nature to strategically make that happen in my classroom.

So what type of user are you?