Technologically Challenged

     I admit, I'm one of those people who just doesn't get technology.  I still call keyboarding "typing" and I play solitaire with cards that can actually be shuffled.  When I run into a computer glitch, I get a panicked feeling inside because my efforts to resolve issues are hit and miss. My teenage daughters are far more capable than I am of putting our internet connection to good use.  I recently gave up my flip phone and got a fancy phone with apps, internet and "Angry Birds". I still haven't played, but it's there in case I ever want to.  Frankly, I'd like to have my flip phone back. 
     It's not that I don't see the value of the technology we have.  I do.  I also see the value of going for a walk with  my friend as opposed to sending her a message on facebook. I enjoy going to the library and looking at staff recommendations, new magazines, and the books on the carts that others have picked up but not checked out.  I have had trouble with spending too much time at the computer and it's been difficult for me to break myself of these habits.  I've spent far too many hours of my life playing freecell, poker, and scrabble, shopping on zappos, ebay, craigslist, and Amazon and I can't ever get them back.
     I know our kids have to be computer savvy to be employable in the future, but I worry that they will also be overweight, anti-social, and unable to stay focused on every day activities that don't come with all the bells and whistles that can be found on a computer.  I agree with Cathy Davidson that our society has become overly paranoid about child molesters lurking around every corner and on every website.  And because I agree, I say let's unplug the computer and send our kids out to play for a few hours everyday rather than allowing them to sit transfixed in front of a screen from 4pm to bedtime.
     As with anything we give our kids, moderation is key.  It's so easy to let them spend hours playing games or watching videos on youtube because they're so content and quiet. We have to monitor what kids see and for how long and for me, that's difficult because I struggle to keep up with the skills they've already mastered.  So, I must bravely go out on a limb and try new things like blogging, photostory3, wikis, online courses, itouch, and a whole bunch of other techno-thing-a-ma-jigs because I want to be there to witness, help and learn when my students and my daughters are using technology to be the best they can be.