I recently enjoyed the audiobook version of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. Yes, I did the audiobook version. Sometimes while I was driving. At double playback speed. Yes, I get the irony…or hypocrisy? In The Shallows, Mr. Carr chronicles the history of various ways we have dessimated information …Read More
“The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains” by Nicholas Carr (Book Recommendation)
Jun 11, 2011
The Problem of Technology “Addiction” – What We Can Do About It
Apr 20, 2011
So, I’ve now gone through why I think that technology can be “addictive,” (see previous posts An Addiction vs. A Problem and The Neuroscience of Tech Addiction) although I think it is important to not got get too hung up on the exact terminology. It is typically easier to discern whether it is a problem by …Read More
The Problem of Technology “Addiction” – The Neuroscience of Tech Addiction
Mar 21, 2011
Before we even tackle why various technologies can be addictive, a clear concern about Facebook, texting, email, video games, etc. is that they can become so compelling that we stop engaging in other need-satisfying activities. To borrow a term from the economic world, any technology that we become enamored with creates an “opportunity cost.” What aren’t we …Read More
The Problem of Technology “Addiction” – An Addiction vs. A Problem
Mar 8, 2011
I was recently interviewed on KXAN regarding technology addiction. Too much technology may tweak your life: kxan.com Given some of the constraints inherent in a TV news cast, I thought I’d follow up with some additional thoughts on this fascinating and timely topic. I’ve presented on the topic of technology addiction to various schools around Austin, and …Read More
Math Fact App Recommendations
Sep 13, 2010
There are a number of excellent educational apps available for the iPhone, iTouch, and iPad. I am going to try to share some of my favorites with you on a regular basis. Today, I will start with math fact applications. Learning math facts can be tedious and particularly frustrating for some children. Practicing 10 minutes per …Read More
Digital Nation from Frontline News(video recommendation)
Mar 14, 2010
A friend told me about this news program from PBS’s Frontline, and I’d say it is a “must watch” for those interested in how technology is affecting our lives, those of kids and teens, and changing society as a whole. Frontline: Digital Nation The program covers many fascinating topics such as what technology is doing …Read More
Future Technology – It Is Already Here!
Jan 11, 2010
I recently watched this Technology, Entertainment, & Design (TED) presentation that occurred in November of 2009 in India. The presenter was Pranav Mistry, an inventor, visionary, and genius from MIT who presented on his group’s “Sixth Sense” technology. This presentation must be seen to be believed: I don’t want to be a spoiler. Just watch …Read More
Can Texting Be Damaging for Teens?
Jan 20, 2009
I was recently interviewed by Fox News here in Austin about whether excessive texting can be damaging for teens. Here is a link to that interview: http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=EDCD902153D1F988A219AC848700B221?contentId=8257261&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1 Now, you have to qualify this by stating that I am still learning how to give a good interview. This was a live interview, and so it was …Read More
Teen Internet Use Can Be a Good Thing
Jan 13, 2009
There are many concerns about teens’ use of the Internet that have been voiced by parents and educators over the years. While many concerns may still be legitimate, at least one study offered some positive news. A study by the McArthur Foundation came out recently that indicates that teens’ socializing on the Internet is generally …Read More
Using Tech to Pass the Time
Jul 3, 2008
I really like iTunes, my iPod, podcasts, and all of the options that they bring. Name a topic, and there are some free podcasts available for download through iTunes and countless other ways. What I’m finding particularly enjoyable is to get my iPod, an interesting podcast, and listen while I do household chores like folding …Read More