I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Diocesan celebration of the creative arts in the form of the ‘Illuminate’ event on Tuesday at the University of Wollongong. WOW. We have so many talented students and St John’s was prominent in the performances. Our music, drama and dance students shone on the bigger stage and I could not have been prouder of their performances. But like all high-end items the work and dedication of these students needs to be recognised. It takes effort to excel.

A massive thank you to the teaching staff in this area. For their commitment to the students, dedication to improving skills and engaging the students so well in their chosen field.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Over the recent school holiday period I attended a conference and one of the topical
speakers addressed the issue of ‘digital dementia’. I urge parents to google and
have a look at this issue online. I am sure it will help to inform you and your
understanding of the government’s move to ban social media for children. This is
also in line with the government’s recent statements about dealing with online
bullying and the terrible consequences of such bullying.
The effects of this bullying have the potential to be catastrophic and, rightly so, there
are moves to manage the technology that allows it to happen remotely and at times
anonymously. Why do people do this? I am baffled. It is so divergent to our Catholic
beliefs of being tolerant and welcoming.
I have said in several forums that I am often asked if bulling exists in St John’s, and
sadly it does. We deal with it and resolve matters as quickly as it is reported. The
main issue is to realise that the bully has the issue. To make someone else feel small
because they need to fell bigger. It is unacceptable.
Below is an article I read about ‘technoference’. Along the same lines as digital
dementia it is an emerging concern for our young ones.

TECHNOFERENCE

I came across this term while reading an online article. It basically talked about the interference that technology is causing in people’s lives and how we are dealing with our addictions to the technology we have. One of the major effects is that family connections are being damaged. So how do improve your family time and interactions and still use technology effectively?

I often take my eight-year-old grandson to the local park to play. I constantly see other parents with their children and Mum or Dad on their phones while the kids are ‘playing’ or trying to get their parents involved in their play. ‘In a minute’ is often used as they check their messages. Does this sound familiar? Is it something that you have seen?

Ninety-eight percent of families have at least one internet connected device in the home. Parents use their device for an average 3.5 hours per day and children for 3.0. But this varies widely depending on the situation. Research says that 47% of families use devices while eating the evening meal.

Research also tells us that parents consumed by their devices have an effect on their own children. The children can become sad or withdrawn or can act out to get their parents attention. Haven’t we all been having a wonderful conversation with others when suddenly a phone rings or beeps. In a millisecond it is instantly checked, indicating it as a bigger priority than the conversation.

When I read this article I immediately took stock of the technoference in my own life. And I was a little disappointed. Although I am old enough to have spent my early life without the internet, I haven’t ‘grown up’ with a mobile phone. I do have a heavy reliance on it though. Most of my use is as a work tool, but I also use it for many other purposes that sometimes interfere with my family relationships. The versatility and range of needs it meets, makes the phone a very attractive item to have. Not only does it meet our needs for communication and entertainment it also occupies us.

To understand the importance of mobile technology and its good uses is important. Don’t get me wrong, it is such a necessary tool for so many people over a range of purposes. But to also understand the negative side of excessive use is equally important.

We use technology extensively at the school if it supports the students learning. Our teachers constantly use technology to develop resources for the classroom and assist their teaching.

Why don’t you do an audit of your technoference? Why not google the term and have a read? (Statistics taken from 'The Conversation').