Tracking my use of technology.

Tracking my use of technology was a real eye opener. I was most shocked at the amount of time I spend on social media. I check Facebook and Twitter periodically through out the day, but to realize I spend 2 hours out of my day doing that was a shock. That's 2 hours I could be spending doing hw or something else productive. I also text a lot. I like to keep in touch with my family when I'm away at school, so texting is my way of doing that.  I spend about an hour for one conversation in texting, where as the same conversation could happen over the phone and take about 10 minutes. After tracking this stuff I'd made me realize that I need to spend less time on these things. I am going to start putting my phone on silent all day and keeping it out of sight so I'm not tempted to look at it. This way I can get all my hw and studying done with no interruptions. 

ICRH community meeting

On Thursday night I attended the ICRH community meeting. The meeting had a better turn out than expected. A lot of people showed up to the meeting. The meeting was to inform members of the community of what ICRH intends to do. During the meeting there was a moment when everyone was asked to take out their smart phone, and go like the Facebook page. It was really cool to see the amount of likes rising in real time. It shows just how important social media is to this project. Over all I think the meeting went well and informed the community of the importance of ICRH. 

24 hours of no Technology.

On friday morning I began my 24 hours without technology. I allowed myself to use my computer for homework purposes, but aside from that I did not use my cell phone or any form of social media. I knew it was going to be difficult to not look at my phone. I turned my phone on silent and put it in my desk drawer so it was out of sight. A few times I was tempted to look at it but eventually it was like I didnt even have a phone. I noticed that I got a lot more done that day. I completed a lot of homework and studied for tests. I found it to be really nice not having my phone attached to my hip like I usually do. 

Turkle Interview

Aftere watching this interview it really made me realize how disconnected we have become from our "real" lives. We are so quick to keep up with whats going on in our technological world. it is really kind of sad that people feel better connected to someone in an online type of relationship, and are more willing to keep that relationship up compared to someone sitting right next to them. Over the weekend I went out to eat with my sister and one of our friends. Almost immediately they both had their phones out, constantly looking at them. I sat there in awe...I was right infront of them and yet, it was almost like i wasnt even there. We probably would have had a more in depth conversation if we had all just been texting each other while sitting there. After this dinner I decided that when I go out with friends or family, I am not going to take my phone out. I would much rather have a real conversation than a short almost meaningless one over texts.

chp 4 of who owns the future.

So far, who owns the future by Jared lanier has been rather confusing. I feel as if he just rambles on about anything and everything. He throws out these outragous ideas and I just find it really hard to follow. In chapter 4 he discusses finances. One thing he says that did stick out to me was " if technology is getting so good and if there is so much wealth, why should there still be poor people at all?" this stuck out because I do not quite understand what hes trying to say. I dont get why he thinks that having all this advanced technology and wealth should mean that there are no poor people. unless you create the technology yourself...your not going to gain wealth from it.

reflection on ICRH

Working with the Isabella County Restoration House has been a real eye opener. Walking on campus I have seen my fair share of homeless people but It never really hit me that it was a problem. After working with ICRH and learning some of the statistics, I know understand how big of a problem it really is. With the winter months ariving, I cannot help but think about those who will have to sleep outside in the cold. There isn't a place for them to go. ICRH is trying their hardest to fix this problem, they are starting out by doing a rotating shelter. This will help, but it isnt a permanant solution. I hope that eventually they will be able to create a permanant shelter for these people in need. Everyone in Isabella needs to realize that this is a problem, a problem that can be solved if ICRH's plan can go into action.