Critical Thinking Module 2

Katie Jackson
EDUC-W 200
September 11, 2010

Have You Ever Questioned Your Technology Usage?

            If asked, “What is one thing you could not live without?” most people would probably respond by listing their family, or a favorite pet.  However, a number of people would immediately answer this question with, “my cell phone”.  Some people cannot leave a room without their cell phones; some people actually never put them down.  By analyzing the articles, “Top 10 cell phones for students” by Anonymous, and “The Pros and Cons of Texting and IM” by Kelley Loftis, one can more easily uncover what it is that draws people to this form of technology.

            In the article, “Top 10 cell phones for students”, the author identifies the criterion for devices making the list.  It states, “Factors considered included affordability, popularity, and functionality”, but how does this tie in with students?  Student, as defined on dictionary.com, is “a person formally engaged in learning”.  So, should a 2^nd grade student who is 7 years old really be worrying about the affordability, popularity, and functionality of a cell phone?  Most schools do not allow students to have cell phones in their classrooms.  They are not a part of class learning, nor are they used to aid it.  Therefore, this article should have nothing to do with “students” and should be directed more towards teenagers and young adults who do consider these factors when purchasing a mobile device.

            Regardless of the audience direction, “Top 10 cell phones for students”, is a list of features and costs for ten specific cell phones.  The most common capabilities of these phones deal with messaging, taking pictures or videos, and listening to music.  All of these qualities are great to have, but once again, none of these are necessary for students.  However, having these features on your cell phone are useful for everyday life.  Through messaging, you can easily let a friend know you will be running late.  With a camera/camcorder, you can capture/record moments in your life that you would like to remember or share with others.  Last but not least, with a music player, you can tune in a soothing song and tune out a stressful day.

            On the other hand, “The Pros and Cons of Texting and IM” reveals a negative side of this device and its features.  Loftis wrote, “According to several studies by insurance companies, distractions in general are the leading cause of teenaged crashes, not drunk driving as so many thought”.  Loftis also talks about a survey conducted in Sanford, NC where students were asked, “Do you text message while driving (if you can drive)?”  The results from this survey concluded that out of the 59 students who answered the question, 22 students said yes, that they did text while driving.  When it comes to this situation, the cell phone is no longer a helpful device.  Messaging has become such a big deal that people no longer use their best judgment.  A person would never think twice about trying to type something on the computer while driving, but since a cell phone is smaller and less hassle, people think one little “hey” is worth looking away from the road.

            When I was in high school, there was a girl who lived in a town near mine that got into a car accident.  She survived, but her two best friends who were in the passenger and back seat, died instantly.  It was concluded that she had been texting while operating her vehicle when she collided with another car and ran off the road.  She was not intoxicated or trying to hurt her friends, she was simply looking down to respond to a text message.  Communication through text message has spiraled out of control.  Texting while driving is among the leading cases for deaths and it is still not outlawed in every state.  People who are going to get drunk think twice about getting behind the wheel because they know what can happen if they get caught because it is against the law.  This form of thinking should occur before picking up a phone while driving as well.

            After evaluating both sides, one can conclude that technology is very valuable when used appropriately.  Cell phones have no place on the road, but they are useful to have if you ever run out of gas.  Every piece of technology is designed for the greater good of human kind in order to make our lives flow more easily.  However, when you abuse the gift of ease, you only get kicked in the knees.