Read on for details on assessing and modifying your family's tech plan. Plus, retro to-do lists and the importance of handwriting.
By Kari Luecke, MS Educational Technologist
"So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act." - Dr. Seuss
As the influx of our reliance on technology for work and school continues to embed itself in our social lifelines, revisiting our tech dependence and its tradeoffs can greatly impact the quality of our family lives.
Consider a weekly evaluation of your family’s technology plan. Perhaps you redefine digital workspaces one week, or sit down together to play an e-game (to gather the latest “intel”) as a family the next.
Take ownership of the technology happening under your roof. Let’s face it, we’ll never know it all, but our presence, interest in, and willingness to modify as often as necessary alludes a united front, which prioritizes family trust, overall health, and digital wellness.
When assessing your family tech or reaching for your device, consider:
What’s the non-tech way of doing this? Think non-app — could I easily have this conversation in person?
How does this app make me feel? Consider physical sensations like heart rate, breathing, sweaty palms, etc.
How can I use what I’m consuming as an inspiration to create something of my own as opposed to endlessly scrolling for an occasional emotional award?
Is my time management plan or strategy working for me and my family?
How is this app or service trying to keep me as a user?
Check out other ways to take control from the Center for Humane Technology.
University of Virginia selected Margot Ross '24 to be a Jefferson Scholar. The highly selective scholarship includes the full cost of attending UVA for four years of study as well as numerous enrichment opportunities. It has been 12 years since a University School of Nashville senior last became a Jefferson Scholar.
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