Standardized testing time is a desert for technology. There can be no devices in the room. Proctors are not allowed on their computers or their phones. No phones are even allowed in the room. Some people go into a panic attack with this news. With our culture always checking phones and apps to the point of new diseases being created for addiction it can be a problem.
I welcome the break. It is a lovely feeling. My mind is calm and it feels like stolen time. Time I am getting back from some other crazy time in my life.
The fact that I CANNOT be interrupted is a huge break in my work routine. As a teacher coach, people are constantly stopping me in the hallway or showing up at my door for “I just have a quick question” conversations. I love this part of my job, it is just how it works normally. The break is refreshing for the week.
Why? I am comfortable with pen and paper. I am comfortable with my thoughts and the silence. I can focus more – on one thing at a time. Whatever it happens to be that I am pondering. It is a gift.
With my mind so calm I give the directions calmly and deliberately so the student is able to take the test the same way – calmly and deliberately.
Knowing this I should schedule a self imposed technology break periodically. Should.
That sounds great. Back to the days when we didn’t check our phones constantly. For me, it’s a toss up…On the one hand, I like not being tied to my phone, especially when it comes to emails, but I love the convenience of my phone, when it comes to Google Maps or just looking up information. Enjoy the silence! Thank you for sharing!
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I’d love to schedule a technology drought as well! Some times even a drive in the car starts with a jolt of panic “oh no, I forgot my phone” then into a “oh well, I forgot my phone”. It is a welcome break.
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