Readers,
I came across an article that is going to make this blog entry just a little bit different. The article specifically focuses on love relationships that college students have to deal with while they are trying to balance school at the same time. In this entry I will not address specific technological effects on relationships. Some don't realize the emotional toll that some relationships take college students through. This is a time of transition in many ways for most college students because the world is being thrown at them. Some college students feel that "love conquers all." This statement is sometimes used to loosely because college students are brainwashed by love and don't truly understand its effects.
Technology has had a sufficient impact on relationship building how we have constructed our definition of love. Sometimes technology has persuaded individuals to think certain ways. Relationships where love is truly involved doesn't have to be effected by technology unless we choose to use technology when involved in a relationship.
--The Tech Man
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Self-Analysis Post
The College Students, Relationships, and Technology blog has been a beneficial learning experience for me. It has allowed me to expand my mind on what seemed to be a one-dimensional argument. Beginning this blog I automatically assumed that all student’s relationships were benefited through the use of the new technologies of today. Facebook, Myspace, cell phones, and skype are quick simplified methods of communication. Since I have been in college the students here seem to want to know about the quickest and most efficient ways to communicate between each other so that time is maximized. Automatically assuming from the start was not beneficial for me because I began with a pre-set bias. Although I had this bias I found out quickly through research and observation that everyone’s relationships are not benefited through the use of technology. Being able to freely research this topic has been a different writing experience because I was able to research a broad set of information instead of being limited to a specific set of information that was solely on my topic. The flow of my writing was also not as formal as it would be in a formal writing setting and this was GREAT. Not having the pressure of knowing that you were going to be strictly critiqued I believes made my writing better because it was free flowing and natural. This was an excellent writing experience that allowed me to grow as a writer. I wouldn’t mind continue my blog for the simple fact that it is an informal form of writing that invites free thought without being limited to a single topic.
--The Tech Man
--The Tech Man
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Risks we Take
Hello Blog Readers,
So far on my journey of finding the true effect of technology on college student relationships I have learned and been introduced to some effects that I didn't think of previously. Through comments and reactions to a couple of my posts on my blog, my thinking about this subject has been expanded and some of my ideas that I had in the beginning of my research have been challenged. Throughout my research I have not only used information about how technology effects students in general but how it effects students in the classroom and during school as well (http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html , http://www.wested.org/techpolicy/research.html).
Technology has changed the way that we live here on Earth. Technology has enabled human civilization to relax to a certain degree. Technology has been an additional resource and a privilege that should not be taken advantage of because if technology fails then we will be in a hole that we won’t be able to get out of. If a catastrophe event were to occur, that involved the failing of technology then the communication between people would most likely be effected. The information and materials that technology provide us with can be both good and bad. The information that technology gives us is beneficial because it informs and guides us to the answers that we want. On the other hand it can be detrimental because it allows for private information to be shared against the will of some individuals ( http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Some-Effects-Technology/152233 , http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=9662). But these are the risks we take when we decide to use this resource.
So far on my journey of finding the true effect of technology on college student relationships I have learned and been introduced to some effects that I didn't think of previously. Through comments and reactions to a couple of my posts on my blog, my thinking about this subject has been expanded and some of my ideas that I had in the beginning of my research have been challenged. Throughout my research I have not only used information about how technology effects students in general but how it effects students in the classroom and during school as well (http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html , http://www.wested.org/techpolicy/research.html).
Technology has changed the way that we live here on Earth. Technology has enabled human civilization to relax to a certain degree. Technology has been an additional resource and a privilege that should not be taken advantage of because if technology fails then we will be in a hole that we won’t be able to get out of. If a catastrophe event were to occur, that involved the failing of technology then the communication between people would most likely be effected. The information and materials that technology provide us with can be both good and bad. The information that technology gives us is beneficial because it informs and guides us to the answers that we want. On the other hand it can be detrimental because it allows for private information to be shared against the will of some individuals ( http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Some-Effects-Technology/152233 , http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=9662). But these are the risks we take when we decide to use this resource.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Theory Post
The blogging journey has been interesting thus far. My topic seems to be pretty appealing to my audience and commenter’s seem to want more. The two sides to my argument are whether or not technology helps or hinders college student’s relationships. An issue that would seem to be pretty simply to come to terms with but has actually turned out to be tougher than expected to solve. Technology should be beneficial to all who use it appropriately and sufficiently. On the other hand sometimes technology has slight failures which cause misinterpretations and mix-ups. Solving whether technology is beneficial to college student’s or not is narrowed down to the personal preferences and whether technology is beneficial to them or not. Some people are not tech savvy so they feel no need for it. If the person feels that technology is helping to keep their relationship alive then good but if its hindering the relationship then technology needs to be eliminated from there lifestyle.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Changing the Traditional Mind Set
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative? Does the human learn more through the qualitative ways of thought opposed to quantitative or vice versa? These questions should be taken into consideration when observing young college students behavior’s because during the college years the learning process is enhanced to adequately create and facilitate ideas that will become beneficial for the student’s life.
Qualitative thought incorporates a large field of disciplines and subject matters that are then divided into similar categories and these categories are researched in-depth. Active learning is used with qualitative thought. Qualitative thought answers ‘Why’ and ‘How’; whereas quantitative thought has to do with the systematic scientific investigation of quantitative properties. A simple way of thinking about quantitative thought is that this type of thinking has a mathematical model, theory, or a hypothesis that creditably backs up the argument at hand. Quantitative answers ‘Who’, ‘What’, and ‘Why’. Quantitative thought seems to be bland and not always interesting. Qualitative seems to be interesting, more flexible and allows a student to be more interactive with peers. Both of these ways of thought are used by many people but current research and statistics show that the qualitative thought process is on the rise. Technology is creating a qualitative individual. Especially college students at larger universities where resources are abundant and more technology is available. Thinking in a qualitative way allows for the relationships to be more creative, lively, and fun. Students who think quantitatively may act cut and dry which makes no relationship fun at all. The way technology has changed culture and the we think has affected the way the relationships are kept lively and thriving. What would you rather have a qualitative thinker or quantitative thinker?
--The TEch MAN
Qualitative thought incorporates a large field of disciplines and subject matters that are then divided into similar categories and these categories are researched in-depth. Active learning is used with qualitative thought. Qualitative thought answers ‘Why’ and ‘How’; whereas quantitative thought has to do with the systematic scientific investigation of quantitative properties. A simple way of thinking about quantitative thought is that this type of thinking has a mathematical model, theory, or a hypothesis that creditably backs up the argument at hand. Quantitative answers ‘Who’, ‘What’, and ‘Why’. Quantitative thought seems to be bland and not always interesting. Qualitative seems to be interesting, more flexible and allows a student to be more interactive with peers. Both of these ways of thought are used by many people but current research and statistics show that the qualitative thought process is on the rise. Technology is creating a qualitative individual. Especially college students at larger universities where resources are abundant and more technology is available. Thinking in a qualitative way allows for the relationships to be more creative, lively, and fun. Students who think quantitatively may act cut and dry which makes no relationship fun at all. The way technology has changed culture and the we think has affected the way the relationships are kept lively and thriving. What would you rather have a qualitative thinker or quantitative thinker?
--The TEch MAN
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Continuing From the Analysis Post – Focusing on ‘Communication between College Students’
Most college students fall into the age category anywhere between late teenage years to early twenties. During these years college students thrive when they receive attention and communication from others. Many students yearn to be noticed and want to meet as many people as possible so that they will be recognized and socially accepted. Technology can help fulfill these social wants but sometimes at a cost. Technology enhances communication and social networking which allow people to meet new people quickly and easily. These technologies allow further conversation that doesn’t necessarily have to be face to face. These conversations can help build healthy relationships. For example Facebook, Twitter, and Skype are all newer technologies that have enhanced communication, thus building stronger relationships. Although strong relationships are built, sometimes students pay the price for using these methods of communication. Students may misjudge or not fully understand what someone is saying through one of these methods of communication so they become upset and end conversation leaving the opposite person wondering what went wrong. Misjudgments like these are more likely to be resolved if the students are talking face to face rather than using a new technology to communicate.
Relationships can be personal, intellectual, or simply friendships. Relationships cannot be manifested and kept alive on their own so people must find the time, and energy to make the effort to keep them going. Technology has not only enhanced college student's relationships on many levels but it has made many students approach building a relationship differently. New technologies allow for people to not necessarily have to meet face to face. Not having to physically go somewhere to meet someone saves time and energy that could be used to meet someone else through new technologies. This is a fascinating topic that I am continuing to research thoroughly. Look out for my next blog soon.
--The TECH Man
Relationships can be personal, intellectual, or simply friendships. Relationships cannot be manifested and kept alive on their own so people must find the time, and energy to make the effort to keep them going. Technology has not only enhanced college student's relationships on many levels but it has made many students approach building a relationship differently. New technologies allow for people to not necessarily have to meet face to face. Not having to physically go somewhere to meet someone saves time and energy that could be used to meet someone else through new technologies. This is a fascinating topic that I am continuing to research thoroughly. Look out for my next blog soon.
--The TECH Man
Monday, October 19, 2009
Analysis and Links (Thus Far)
Hello Blog Readers,
So far on my journey of finding the true effect of technology on college student relationships I have learned and been introduced to some effects that I didn't think of previously. Through comments and reactions to a couple of my posts on my blog, my thinking about this subject has been expanded and some of my ideas that I had in the beginning of my research have been challenged. Throughout my research I have not only used information about how technology effects students in general but how it effects students in the classroom and during school as well (http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html , http://www.wested.org/techpolicy/research.html).
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
http://www.wested.org/techpolicy/research.html
http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Some-Effects-Technology/152233
http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=9662
http://www.hyoomik.com/philo/numb1.htm
http://www.termpapersmonthly.com/essays/195305.html
Technology has changed the way that we live here on Earth. Technology has enabled human civilization to relax to a certain degree. Technology has been an additional resource and a privilege that should not be taken advantage of because if technology fails then we will be in a hole that we won’t be able to get out of. If a catastrophe event were to occur, that involved the failing of technology then the communication between people would most likely be effected. The information and materials that technology provide us with can be both good and bad. The information that technology gives us is beneficial because it informs and guides us to the answers that we want. On the other hand it can be detrimental because it allows for private information to be shared against the will of some individuals ( http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Some-Effects-Technology/152233 , http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?ttype=2&tid=9662). But these are the risks we take when we decide to use this resource.
This situation occurs in many relationships but especially in young college student's. For example technologies that incorporate ways of messaging like cell phone text messaging and social networking sites like Facebook are simply traps for college students. Many don't realize that all messages sent are archived and saved just in case they need to be pulled up for later use (http://mashable.com/2007/06/15/myspace-facebook-privacy/). The link in the previous sentence is just an example of how the messages that are sent over the air waves and through the internet can come back to bite you....OUCH!!!! I wonder if students were familiar with this risks then would they continue using this technologies? If they stopped using them because of this then relationships may begin to decline because of lost in communication.
Some other links that involve Facebook are as follows:
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Facebook_website_-_Criticisms/id/5038344
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook
http://www.experiencefestival.com/facebook_website_-_criticisms
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/oz-students-pro-rape-facebook-page-shut-after-criticism_100272119.html
--The Tech Man
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Evaluating Facebook....
Blog Readers,
I have an interesting topic for us to discuss together today. Facebook has become a dynamic social networking site that has allowed millions of people to connect in there own ways. I remember when Facebook was first introduced in 2004. This was a great day for Mark Zuckerburg because this was the start of his billion dollar success. This launch was also particularly good for all the college students that can't seem to live without Facebook. Facebook has revolutionized the globe in the way that it connects people through different networks based on city, state, gender, school, and age. College students these days can't be log off of Facebook for two seconds without thinking about signing right back on and checking there notifications and picture updates. Although Facebook has gained great popularity over the past five or so years Facebook has become increasing unsafe and risky to use.
The most popular social network site in the world connects individuals from all over the world. Question, How do you know that these are really the people that you want to communicate with. This question and several similar questions have been brought up when discussing the risk that is taken when Facebook is used. College students especially have to be extremely careful when using social networking sites like this one because you never know who could be impersonating who. The internet is constantly growing and hackers are always on the prowl for new victims. The most recent cases that involve Facebook criticism is allegations about privacy rights. Allowing and not allowing the viewing of certain profiles. In a college university setting a social networking site can be a great way to meet new people and make new relationships. On the other hand Facebook probably is not such a good idea for long term, loving, and emotionally filled relationships because of all the options that Facebook allows. For example Facebook allows people to poke each other, add each other, and chat with each other. If a student in a relationship dislikes a person that is having contact with their lover then this can cause a problem that could have been avoided if Facebook was not available. Additionally Facebook stalkers and false profiles can trick college students into relationships that can get students in legal trouble that may be extremely hard to resolve.
Facebook has provided students with an outlet to the "outside world," but how safe is it???!!!??? Next time you are on Facebook consider the risk that you are taking with yourself and your relationship......
Something to think about,
-The Tech MAN
I have an interesting topic for us to discuss together today. Facebook has become a dynamic social networking site that has allowed millions of people to connect in there own ways. I remember when Facebook was first introduced in 2004. This was a great day for Mark Zuckerburg because this was the start of his billion dollar success. This launch was also particularly good for all the college students that can't seem to live without Facebook. Facebook has revolutionized the globe in the way that it connects people through different networks based on city, state, gender, school, and age. College students these days can't be log off of Facebook for two seconds without thinking about signing right back on and checking there notifications and picture updates. Although Facebook has gained great popularity over the past five or so years Facebook has become increasing unsafe and risky to use.
The most popular social network site in the world connects individuals from all over the world. Question, How do you know that these are really the people that you want to communicate with. This question and several similar questions have been brought up when discussing the risk that is taken when Facebook is used. College students especially have to be extremely careful when using social networking sites like this one because you never know who could be impersonating who. The internet is constantly growing and hackers are always on the prowl for new victims. The most recent cases that involve Facebook criticism is allegations about privacy rights. Allowing and not allowing the viewing of certain profiles. In a college university setting a social networking site can be a great way to meet new people and make new relationships. On the other hand Facebook probably is not such a good idea for long term, loving, and emotionally filled relationships because of all the options that Facebook allows. For example Facebook allows people to poke each other, add each other, and chat with each other. If a student in a relationship dislikes a person that is having contact with their lover then this can cause a problem that could have been avoided if Facebook was not available. Additionally Facebook stalkers and false profiles can trick college students into relationships that can get students in legal trouble that may be extremely hard to resolve.
Facebook has provided students with an outlet to the "outside world," but how safe is it???!!!??? Next time you are on Facebook consider the risk that you are taking with yourself and your relationship......
Something to think about,
-The Tech MAN
Monday, October 12, 2009
What is the Connection Between Cell Phones and Student Realationships?
Hello Blog Readers,
First off let me apologize to the readers of my first blogging attempt for the grammatical errors and such. I will try my best not to let that happen again. But Anyway.... As I read the comments left for my first blog I began thinking about how my blog could become unique and interesting. I formulated an idea but I want to know what you as readers think. Each week if I were to introduce a new/different technology (cell phones, social networking sites, instant messaging, etc.) and explain its effects on student relationships opposed to focusing on one single technology like cell phones and their effect on relationships throughout the 4 weeks of blogging, would that keep you guys interested??? (Give me your Feedback)......Moving On---->
Today I think I will begin today's blog with a couple of questions; What Do You Think the Connection Between Cell Phones and Student Relationships Are? Is there one?
Since the release of the cell phone back in the 1940's where Swedish police used them as two way radios for accurate communication, cell phones have steadily gained popularity throughout the world and are currently one of, if not the hottest "must haves" on the market. Cell phones allow billions of individuals to be in communication with one another at any given moment. Since the beginning of my college experience, just a few months ago, I didn't realize the amount of time I spent and the amount of time my fellow college mates spent on their cell phones. Whether its just looking at them to check a text message or email, listen to music, or browse the internet, it seems like every time I'm walking through the quad I see over half the students engaging in some sort of activity with their cellular devices. I will admit I am a culprit too; I can't seem to go five minutes without looking or touching my phone. Just the thought of having it strapped to my hip is calming and gives me relief. If I forget my phone one day I feel disconnected from the world, and this shouldn't be.
Thriving in today's world is greatly influenced by "who you know" and not so much about "what you know" in some instances. You have to build strong caring relationships with individuals in order build solid and prosperous social networks. Cell phones can enhance these social networks because of the speeds at which they operate. For example you can be connected to someone on the other side of the globe in a matter of seconds. Relationships can be built through telecommunication but how effective are they? The relationship is made quicker but may not be as fulfilling if the two persons where to meet face-to-face. As students are concerned, although it seems we are on our phones 24-7 are we really building long lasting, intimate relationships through this type of technology? 'Texting' and instant messaging are simple ways of learning surface details about one another but not necessarily learning about the person on an intellectual or emotional level. THE true test is, when you come face-to-face with another individual that you’ve been in conversation with through a cell phone, will you choke and become nervous or will you have a smooth conversation. See, Cell Phones are good and all but they are physical barriers, they are hindrances from the real person that you are communicating with. In some chases they don't give you a true representation of the person on the other end. I hear all the time "Oh he/she sounded nice on the phone but when I met him/her, I would never consider doing anything with them." An example like this one is just a small representation of how cell phones can trick us into thinking something that is not real. Cell Phones are helpful in many instances but can hinder further relationship development. On many occasions I've talked to someone on the phone and they turn out to be a failure. Something to think about.....
--ThE TecH MaN
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