All a Part of a Balanced Diet

Every few weeks, we like to revisit the topic of technology use.  Technology is so prevalent in our daily lives, ranging from work and school to personal usage, that it seems critical to constantly reevaluate how we and our students are leveraging the benefits of our devices while also maintaining a healthy balance.

In a recent conversation, the comparison was made between technology and food.  The key to a healthy nutritional diet lies in prioritizing the nutritious foods that sustain our energy and promote physical and mental health while limiting those treats that, while tasty, ultimately are harmful when consumed in excess.  The same goes for technology.  We need to prioritize technology usage that is beneficial to our minds and bodies, which may entail using a device for learning purposes or to track a workout, while limiting technology usage that may be detrimental in excess.  Essentially what we need is a "healthy technology diet".

This balance is important for both us, as adults, and our children to learn.  Upon Googling a "Healthy Technology Diet", I found there were quite a few articles on the topic!  The Huffington Post suggests treating technology as you treat food.   Moderation is the key, the author believes, and she suggests leveraging techniques like setting a timer for 20 minutes when going on social media if you notice you have been spending too much time browsing social media sites.  The Chopra Center, which is dedicated to health and wellness, gives tips on "5 Ways to Start a Healthy Technology Diet" with ideas like taking a technology vacation for a window of time each week, turning off your phone for short time periods, putting your phone on airplane mode for a period of time when you need to be productive, turning off notifications, or even simply creating a "device-free" zone in your home for times like when the family is gathered together at the kitchen table for a meal.

In Pleasantdale District 107, we are conscious of the fact that providing our students with access to technology also means teaching responsible usage of the tools.  However, it is important for us as we strive "to create a community of inspired learners" that we also educate our parents, too, on the tools we use with our students!  Therefore, on Thursday, March 16, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM we will be hosting our first Parent Tech Night in the Pleasantdale Middle School library.  Our library director, Mrs. Steinmetz, and our Innovative Teaching Coach, Steve Braband, will be leading the night.  All parents in the district are encouraged to attend to learn more about the websites and apps our students are using in school, as well as the online educational resources available to access outside of school.   Please mark your calendars and RSVP today!