Math Reciprocal Reflection

Just Take a Break From Screen Time

Just Take a Break From Screen Time

Most parents think that technology can take their child one step further, and is a very interesting and useful tool in life. Well, there is no doubt, that technology has done wonders with iPods, iPhones, iTouches, iPads, Kindles and many more. But don’t they think that electronics are NEGATIVELY impacting their child? Research say that children below 13 years should not be given electronics to handle. So if your child is above 13 years, you now must be thinking, my child is above 13, it’s okay for her to do what she wants. And if that is what you’re thinking, then you are wrong. Electronics can impact everybody. Even parents get impacted. Believe it or not, too much screen time has other influences than just eyesight. It impacts your mental health, it minimizes family time and “in person” social time, and if you really think about it, you’re mostly not that productive. Thus, I believe that electronics are really taking up people’s lives, and they should only be used when needed.

We all know that screen time damages eyesight. But did you know that your mental health is impacted too? Parents, have you ever noticed your child quite frequently feeling cranky and quite, and then wondered why? This is possibly because screen time has impacted your child’s mood. Excessive screen time is what impacts mood, and concentration level. Some doctors call it an electronic screen syndrome.

“Taken together, [studies show] internet addiction is associated with structural and functional changes in brain regions involving emotional processing, executive attention, decision making, and cognitive control.”

  ~ research authors summarizing impact of excessive screen time.

Children, do you ever feel like you are not getting enough time with your family? Have you ever even noticed this? Well it’s about time you start thinking about it. One reason you might be lacking family time is because probably electronics carry you away, and your whole day passes by. Moreover, referring back to mood, after long hours of screen time, it is typical that people don’t feel like talking to anyone and want some time to just stare into space. Your brain gets used to the position and functioning that happens while watching T.V, and for some time, you just feel like keeping that position the same- resulting in staring into space. That is also why electronics feel so addicting, and you don’t realize when time flies by. If we think about it, we are getting more experience electronically, than academically and socially.

Let’s face it, are we being very productive? Sometimes maybe yes- but other times, not so much. Now don’t get me wrong, education and productivity related work like online homework and/or assignments are very important. That is when you can get your daily screen time. Other than that, things that aren’t related to being productive, could be substituted. It is habitual that if you’re bored, you feel like electronics is your go-to option, and you can’t live without it, but there are so many other things we can do with our life other than spending it in front of a screen. For example, outdoor activities are great to build metabolism and adrenaline. Spending time and laughing with family and friends is another way to keep you happy and healthy. You should even leave some time for yourself, where you can close your door and start writing, reading, drawing, just some time to let your imagination and creativity flow, far from your computer’s shadows. There is so much productivity you can do, instead of wasting time with your electronics.

So now that you know the consequences, let’s look on the brighter side. Referring back to the beginning, we know we should only minimize screen time to when needed, but how? First of all the reason why you even start is because probably the electronics are near you, and your brain signals you to pick it up and use it. So try this. Switch them off, put them away when not needed, and go somewhere else and and be more active or creative. Wouldn’t it make you more productive and healthy, and help your brain function and concentrate? Moreover, wouldn’t that give you time for your family? Yes it would, and after some time it’ll become a habit, and you will notice change in yourself and your behavior. All in all, you can change your future by starting now, and trust me, you will get great benefits by just taking a break from screen time.

1. How have you grown as a writer?

I definitely have learned to make less important parts shorter, and elaborate on more important parts of the story. This was one of my weaknesses as a writer, and I'm starting to overcome it!

2. What new skills do you feel more confident to apply to your essay writing?

I have learned different useful techniques like anecdotes, lists, counter-claims and so on. I have tried to use that, in order to make me look like an expert in my topic.

3. What challenges did you face when writing your Personal Essay?

Adding transitions to my essay had become my main focus in the end, and I tried to fit them in places I wanted. It was a bit challenging because I felt my essay didn't need too many transitions, but my partner recommended to add more. I had to add new sentences, eliminate others, and add transistions with the new sentences.

4. How have you surprised yourself as a writer?

I was really proud of the way I put the information all together. I was surprised when I was able to organize the thoughts because of planners,  and feedback.

5. What feedback did you receive that will help you grow as a writer?

I got some feedback to use connectors, like transitions to make my writing smoother, and to set a conversation and interest in the topic.

The Hour of Code

             I came on the second day, not knowing what to expect, or what to learn. To be honest, I am myself not a very tech-savvy or computer-lover type of person. But people said that The Hour of Code was for anybody-even beginners! I love to try new things and find opportunities to work on extracurricular activities, so I decided this would be the perfect opportunity. I went in there and actually got to learn some basic computer science! I learned to navigate video games using codes, and I tried solving it. I wasn't very good at it, but at least I could say I did a "course" of the Hour of Code, and was one in ten millions to participate and learn something so intriguing. I must say, my views about video games have totally changed! I would recommend participating and pursuing The Hour of Code, especially to electronic lovers. 

Egypt Museum Reflection

How might you create an interactive exhibit that will encourage young visitors to care about the civilization of Ancient Egypt?

Encouraging the people to interact, learn, participate, and enjoy in the museum was one of the challenges our Arts group had. We decided to pair up into two groups of two since our group had four members. We then decided to combine our projects into activities that would engage the learners, while still making it informative. I decided to make lotus puzzle pieces so that they would get their own choice of the layout on the ancient walls. After that I might let them be archaeologists and infer and observe characteristics about the tile.

Describe your learning process form start to end... as an individual, and as a group-member.

I used a lot of tools to research, such as books, websites, eBooks, and general knowledge. I then put all the information into MIDAS notes. As an individual, I thought that I did my best to find all the research possible, and tried to go to all stations in the museum. As a group member, I think I worked collaboratively and helped my group members.

What aspect(s) of the project challenged you the most?

Since the Lotus Tile was a tricky artifact for me, I think research was something I struggled with. It took me some time to find the information I needed.

What are you proud of?

I am proud of how my artifact turned out, and how everyone enjoyed the interactive part about it. I am also proud that everybody went away learning something new.

What part(s) of the overall experience do you think you will remember the most?

I think I will remember the collaboration of my team the most. I will remember the way we worked together and researched.