Posted p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2014
Elementary School Counselor Melani Fay discusses a societal turning point because of technologies like XBox and the Internet.
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Elementary School Counselor Melani Fay.[/caption]
Elementary School Counselor Melani Fay discussed a societal turning point that's happened because of technologies like XBox and the Internet. She's noticed how these devices are changing children and families.
She was one of six people from the UW-L campus and La Crosse community who shared a story about “turning points” in society or their personal lives during a TEDx event on campus in November.
Many are familiar with TED Talks, an award-winning video site that is a branch of the TED non-profit organization. TEDx events are independently coordinated to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.
More children come to school today unable to pay attention, solve problems, get along or actively listen, Fay says. But, when she asks kids, typically only about a third say they have supper at night with their families with no media turned on. She wonders how kids will learn life skills without any structured family time or personal interaction at home.
“Technology is a gift. You can access information and talk to people, but technology also divides us,” she explains. “It has divided the family, I believe. Not long ago, when there was no technology, families were stuck playing with each other.”
She challenges families to put down the devices they are staring at and hold each other instead. “Look each other in the eye and have meaningful conversations,” she advises.
Elementary School Counselor Melani Fay.[/caption]
Elementary School Counselor Melani Fay discussed a societal turning point that's happened because of technologies like XBox and the Internet. She's noticed how these devices are changing children and families.
She was one of six people from the UW-L campus and La Crosse community who shared a story about “turning points” in society or their personal lives during a TEDx event on campus in November.
Many are familiar with TED Talks, an award-winning video site that is a branch of the TED non-profit organization. TEDx events are independently coordinated to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.
More children come to school today unable to pay attention, solve problems, get along or actively listen, Fay says. But, when she asks kids, typically only about a third say they have supper at night with their families with no media turned on. She wonders how kids will learn life skills without any structured family time or personal interaction at home.
“Technology is a gift. You can access information and talk to people, but technology also divides us,” she explains. “It has divided the family, I believe. Not long ago, when there was no technology, families were stuck playing with each other.”
She challenges families to put down the devices they are staring at and hold each other instead. “Look each other in the eye and have meaningful conversations,” she advises.