E. Mitchell's Communicate 1.1.1 – Definitions of Communication Quest

• 1. How have your individual communication skills changed as with the innovations in technology?
• 2. How have advancements in technology altered classroom communication? Will these change further?

1.  My communication skills have been slow to change.  I feel my relationship with technology is an accurate representation of my personality.  I am introverted, tend to keep to myself with my emotions, and my circle of friends is small.  I have never been a phone talker, and have always preferred personal conversations face-to-face.  I feel technology in a sense has made me a little bitter with how I see others use it that I have purposely tried not to change.  But I must admit, texting is apart of my life with my best friend.  Due to the differences in our schedules and managing family life, conversations mainly take place through texts.  As compared to Turkle's speech, they are not merely "sips" but definitely lacking a personal bond that is cornerstone in friendships.  Even with my parents, I will send them a text to answer a question rather than call.  This is something that in life I regret and need to change.

2.  As far as communication with my students.....wow, that has changed.  They would prefer to only know the gist of the story rather than the whole thing....they cut corners in reading because it takes up too much time.  Having communication outlets like Remind101 caters to their texting lifestyle but enabling to move away from personal responsibility.  In my face-to-face classroom, they have difficulty speaking in class; they don't want to be judged---exactly what Turkle said, they can't plan or edit their speech.  It is a fear that is clearly communicated on their faces but something they don't show through social media.  As far as the future, I'm not sure.  With ,my two children I know the behaviors I want to model for them.  I do not have my phone around them, I do not work until they are sleeping, I do not have the TV constantly on, and dinner time is dinner time not phone time.