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Across the Fence:  Technology dumbing us.....  |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1692 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1692 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 06:56:28 AM
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With all this technology that has come along in the years I really don't think it is letting us use our brains so we can grow neurons and not lose any. Can a child or person do math without using a calculator or even use spelling and grammer correctly without the use of spell check? Sometimes the computer can help you learn but one really needs to try and relearn to use their brains. Just a thought.
Laurie
"Smile and be yourself everyday"
Country girl at heart
Laurie
Aprons and More by Laurie is on my FB page |
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Annette Kath
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Annette
Carlock
IL
USA
198 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 07:04:03 AM
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I am a low tech person too. My kids are young; ages 3-13 and so they do some of their homework on the internet. I would have never dreamed of doing my homework on the net.
When I do call people, I do dial in their number and NOT use speed dial. I think it keeps my memory sharper and what would happen if I was not at home with my "speed dial" and I needed to call them and couldn't remember the phone number! My husband uses speed dial. He'll be looking for a phone number on speed dial and I can ramble it off before he finds it!
I also don't know how reliable the new technology really is. Big brther is watching in more and more places.
I prefer to live as simply as I can and am trying to teach my kids that too. They have peer pressure from family and friends too regarding phones and other electronic "toys". I want them to appreciate what they do have. Life in the olden days was much more simple, why complicate things? If they never heard of it, they wouldn't miss it.
Annette |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 07:05:22 AM
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I have a friend who is a teacher who said it has rendered her students idiots when it comes to spelling. They actually abreviate words in papers like their texting! And, they don't know how to talk with one another face to face or to other people because they miss facial cues and connections because of sending text messages to each other, even while sitting NEXT to one another!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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rphelps4
True Blue Farmgirl
620 Posts
roxanna
westport
indiana
USA
620 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 07:10:48 AM
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| I work with teenagers at work and I shocked when they couldn't tell time on a clock that wasn't digital, and what's with not teaching long hand, and doing simple math in their heads forget! |
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nabrown42
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Nancy
Caneyville
KY
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 10:34:58 AM
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When I was a personnel agency manager, I could tell the approximate age of an applicant by their spelling and grammer scores. I don't think I ever had a 100% score for anyone under 40. That was 20 years ago and now, I bet I would get a perfect test score only by a senior citizen. I am shocked to be in public and witness the kids and now adults texting the person right next to them. My generation can write in long hand and the older, the neater as long as ill health makes our hands shaky. I haven't received a legible letter from young members of our family in ages. Cursive isn't taught...what a shame.
"I've wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to someone's needs I've been blind; but I've yet to feel a twinge of regret for being a little too kind." |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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Annette Kath
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Annette
Carlock
IL
USA
198 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2012 : 06:09:20 AM
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It sure does!
Annette |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2012 : 06:17:13 AM
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Some times you just have to shut if off!
I am torn on this subject. If it wasn't for technology, I wouldn't know all you wonderful sisters!
I am concerned about the impersonal lifestyle that technology has brought upon us. I am appalled by the way people can't spell or puncuate anymore. It is not just the younger generation either. I have a girlfriend that has one long un-abbreivated and misspelled sentence when she text messages me. No more birthday cards or phone calls...now all you get is a Happy Birthday on Facebook! My DH can get so caught up in the technology of today that he will spend every waking minute in front of the computer. I also have wasted many an hour on Pinterest, Etsy and All Recipes! How amazing to have so much at your fingertips! I have learned to limit my time on the internet and spend more just being. I do think the technology is wonderful in many ways though. It has opened up doors for many woman owned small business' and has made the world their customer base. I just think there is a happy medium in how much time we spend there. It was so refreshing to stay at MaryJane's Farm B&B last summer and just un-plug!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
I am trying to be the person my dogs think I am.
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2012 : 12:48:54 PM
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I'm basically a low-tech person too- but embrace all the wonders of the high tech stuff as well.
I'll still hand pen all our Christmas letters/cards. Thanks to facebook though, I am able to keep in touch almost daily with old highschool buddies. Something not possible otherwise.
As far as reading and math. I still keep a paper dictionary by the computer. Never was that good at math.
Shame on the TEACHERS and schoolboards though for not keeping up with handwriting skills and such. A public school is only as good as its government dictates. If they can't keep up due to the pressures of teaching to the tests. Pity for them for not being able to teach according to how their students learn best and individualizing like some private schools have the liberty
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2012 : 12:50:29 PM
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And for home schoolers too if they keep their kids up to par --for sure!
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2012 : 1:26:15 PM
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I agree! I see spelling and grammar mistakes in books and magazines and it drives me nuts! I have stood in front of teenage cashiers who did not give me correct change and froze because they couldn't do simple math in their heads. It's really sad. I'm with Anna...I still send hand addressed cards but Facebook has allowed me to keep in touch with long-distance people daily that I would not have had the chance to. I think it gets back to the old adage, "Everything in moderation".
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
698 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2012 : 5:53:54 PM
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What an interesting topic ! My husband and I talk often about the "dumbing" of our society, much due to technology. I remember well when my daughter couldn't tell time on a regular clock, and I was horrified. That said, I think that we are too technology reliant to ever go back. A few days ago, I found that my email account had been hacked and I still cannot log into it on my computer (only on my phone for some bizarre reason). I have found myself checking emails relentlessly on my trusty iPhone, and have had to tell myself to stop! My husband tells my daughter and I all the time that we cannot live without our iPhones and I'm afraid he's right. I have a 25 year old son who is constantly complaining that I don't answer his texts. I have to keep explaining to him that I don't have my phone in my pocket constantly, and that he needs to CALL me if he needs to talk to me! My 14 year old daughter is guilty of texting friends who are sitting next to her in the back seat of the car...she is attached to that iPhone like it is an appendage. We recently found out that she was tired in the mornings because her phone would beep with texts all night! No more phone in the room at bedtime! I do love my Pinterest and Etsy sites, although have cut way down on Facebook! I applaud those who are able to unplug...I know I would have a really hard time doing it :)
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2012 : 09:58:04 AM
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I agree the Internet has brought us to all these farmgirls. However, back when my first child was born, I either did not know bulletin boards and chat rooms even existed, or they were not created yet.
I would read about women's groups in our local paper, call them on my land line phone, and meet up with them at a church or activity center. Then we created friendships, met often and even called each other. We'd meet up at parks etc.
Now, it's a lot different.
Have you tried to find a phone number recently, in your local phone book? We have had a terrible time with them. We have to resort to searching the Internet.
My kids resort to it for a dictionary, however, lately I have encouraged them to use a real dictionary. The good old fashioned book. They get so frustrated looking up words too, but I still encourage it.
I am encouraging more board games too - monopoly, scrabble, and other games. I may be buying more of these for Christmas this year too.
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2012 : 2:23:11 PM
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On the way home just now I was listening to NPR. There is a school in Oyster Bay, New Hampshire (I think that's where they said it was) that has given up trying to ban the use of hand held devices and has starting integrating them into daily classes now. They are still trying to get all the kinks out, like some kids may not have any of these things. And keeping kids from getting distracted in class. Good grief, I sure am glad I don't have kids in school anymore. They have also given them a certain time each day to text so they won't be doing it in class. Hah! What are we doing?
Kris
Happiness is simple.
www.kris-outbackfarm.blogspot.com |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2012 : 10:24:46 AM
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Well, thank goodness for calculators, at least!! I can do quite a bit mathmatically but it takes me a while. Spelling and grammar, I have that one down pretty pat. My adopted mother was a PhD in Education.
I'm a low-mid tech person now. I like my laptop but don't have an Android phone anymore. Unplugging is something I have to do, now and again.
I was thinking about the face to face connections not too long ago. Where I live, I don't see too many people and most of my interactions now are on the 'net. Since I'm basically a loner, so far, this hasn't bothered me too much. Still, I have been writing my Christmas cards by hand for several years now. We don't get any in return, just Facebook if at all. Everyone is 'busy' and can't take the time. *shrugs*
My website:
http://twohorseswalkingdesigns.com
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2012 : 2:51:54 PM
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We are a no-facebook, no-twitter home. At least now we are. It only brought trouble for my 18 dd. It still does. The first place people look is on-line when you apply for jobs. Crazy world. What happened to calling references? My kids have to apply for almost all of their jobs on-line anymore. Stores aren't handing out paper applications.
My husband doesn't even have texting on his cell phone, or my son. I have it for emergencies with Mom's heart. And now my 18 yo's heart and head. I admit it's been great for emergencies (when you can talk inside a hospital with a cell phone etc).
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2012 : 10:20:10 AM
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I was never a hand written letter person even in my younger years. I can barely remember to send out birthday cards to immediate family. It's not due to the tech age either. It's just my own fault. Fb is good for not so close family. I at least call my immediate family on their important days.
yes I do agree that technology is dumbing down our children. When my son gets into the grades where calculators are permitted, he will not be allowed to use one not even the teachers. He will have to any written reports by hand. That's not to say that he cannot use the net for research or technology for oral presentations. Even if I have to make deals with the teachers
High school is a different matter altogether. I do not believe that children should be allowed to a lot of technology pre high school.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2012 : 05:03:13 AM
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So True!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
I am trying to be the person my dogs think I am.
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2012 : 06:51:29 AM
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diane that says it all for sure. if i had kids in school now i would be in trouble i am soooo old school. LOL
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Okie Farm Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
1674 Posts
Mary Beth
McLoud
Oklahoma
USA
1674 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2012 : 06:51:43 AM
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My hubby works for one of the large computer companies and has seen that technology go from the early Commadors and Tandy 1000 to the IPads, Thinkpads, etc. of today. Do you realize that our cell phones are more sophisticated then the LEM that landed on the moon the first time with men in it?!! Makes me cringe for those astronauts. :-) But anyway, my hubby points out that it is up to us and how we use technology that will determine if we are dumbed down or not. He and I are older now, and it helps that we like antiques, but we have regular clocks, including a cuckoo clock all over the house. My daughter has done the same thing and so her daughter will see a regular clock growing up. My son, a mathematics major, drove his professors crazy because he would do math, many times, on paper or in his head and he usually beat those using a calculator. He just did that to keep his skills up for his own good. As my husband has pointed out, one power outage and we are back in the stone age if we don't know how to use our noodles!! It is frustrating to see kids who can't count back change in a panic if their cash register isn't working or who can't figure out what tax should be. And the texting is annoying. I refuse to abbreviate words like that and text whole texts. I guess I'm wierd. But each of us can hone our own skills and one of these days be the ones who excel when the rest of the world is going, "Duh. Wha hoppen?" :-)
Mary Beth
www.OklahomaPastryCloth.com
www.Oklahomapastrycloth.com/blog
The Sovereign Lord is my strength - Habakkuk 3:19 |
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annielaurel
True Blue Farmgirl
912 Posts
nancy
fernandina beach
florida
USA
912 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2012 : 05:04:45 AM
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I am low tech and plan to remain that way. I am surprised still that so many of the younger people don't know how to do simple things. My neighbors kids are 10 and 11 and still can't tie a shoe. Why bother when velcro will do the job or wear shoes with no laces?
It will really be something to see if our environment comes to a place where these skills are needed. Also, I find communication face-to-face getting worse.
I still have one rotary phone, communicate a lot by snail mail and use my dictionary with my spelling problem. We still have regular books at my house, too! :) |
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sissarge
True Blue Farmgirl
502 Posts
Linda
Montgomery
Texas
USA
502 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2012 : 2:54:08 PM
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| Have any of you ladies heard of the Meal Train? Our church has a family, that is having some medical issues, and so meals are being taken to the family. But....this is done by signing up at church and leaving your e-mail address and then M T contacts you, it tells you a list of dislikes and allergic foods, for the family, also, it has the suggested time to deliver and you sign up for the day. So I did this, home cooked a meal, meatloaf, green beans, cornbread, mashed potatoes, salad, bottle dressing, and a small cake. Come time to deliver, when upon arrival there is a ice chest and sign on front porch, to leave your meal in the ice chest. So I did, then they e-mail you or face book you in two days, a thank-you. for the meal. WOW! seemed strange-but it works. Then, I got to looking and everyone, store bought the meal, (oh yeah, you have to tell them what you plan to bring) I mean, from Mexican, to Italian, and in the thank-you, they tell what you bought. Well then I was a little intimated, cause I was the only one who home cooked a meal. But oh well, that is slowly becoming a thing of the past. But I said all that to say this, remember when ladies auxiliary or the pastor would announce to take meals? Oh well, maybe I am the only one to remember this. gotta get with the times. I do text tho, my kids finally got me there, and I can use a computer only limited, but I am learning. Have a great time with being technology challenged in the world. Have a great day! Farmgirl #946 Linda |
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knitnpickinatune
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Sherrie
Gardena
California
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2012 : 1:32:30 PM
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There was a kid I was waiting on when I worked at the college that thought I was a genius because I knew how to work a typewriter-including setting the margins. He just couldn't imagine how I knew how to do something like that. Telling him I would draft an outline for a report by hand before typing it really blew his mind. He thought I should've been working for NASA or something. And the spelling errors of these college kids is just amazing. I'm also seeing frequent spelling errors on my local network TV news-mis spelling of cities,common words,and so forth.
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mando pickin,uke strummin,banjo pickin, autoharpin' & fiddle sawin' Farmgirl #702 |
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Across the Fence: Technology dumbing us..... |
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Technology dumbing us.....
