Student Interview

The student I interviewed was my 15 year old nephew. He will be entering his sophomore year in the fall. He is a good student and very active with sports. He plays football in the fall and basketball year round.  He was very willing to be interviewed and when we were finished stated that he didn't realize how much he was using digital media because of his constant access. When I asked the question about it interfering with getting a good nights sleep he instantly said no but when he thought about staying up until midnight regularly he realized that it must. So often I see my students at school looking completely exhausted and I wonder how much of that is because they have a hard time shutting off the technology. I also thought it was interesting that he thought that if he didn't have access to technology then he would be more active playing basketball. I wonder how much the digital age is fostering our childhood obesity problem. I also liked that he would create an app to help find lost homework. This interview was eye opening to me because I know how involved and active my nephew is and he still is able to use the Internet up to 5 hours per day.

 

 Interview Questions and Answers

1. How many hours per day, outside of school do you use digital technology/media?

a.  Around 5 hours per day, less on school days more on the weekend.

2. What types of devices do you have daily access to?

            a. I have a smart phone, I Pad, laptop and a TV.

3. How do you use each of these devices?

a. Smartphone- for social media such as Instagram and Snap chat, calls and texting. I Pad for YouTube and Netflix. I use my computer for homework, and playing games such as mine craft and counter strike.

4. Does your technology use ever interfere with you getting a good night sleep?

            a. No I usually fall asleep by midnight. Oh, maybe it does a little.

5. If you couldn’t use your devices for one week what would you do instead?

            a. I’d play more basketball.

6. Is it sometimes hard to shut off the devices?

            a. Yes, I just want to keep playing or watching.

7. How would you react if you forgot your phone at home for the day?

a. I have done that before. It’s not that big of a deal but I reach for it in my pocket all day.

8. What app would you like to invent?

a. A locator app so I can always find my homework, shoes, keys and TV remote.

9.What does good digital citizenship mean to you?

a. Don’t say mean things. Use the “Golden Rule”. Stay away from drama. Block people that start trouble.

10. In what ways is technology used in your school?

a. We use technology to research, we use Google classroom, and Google docs, we have smart boards in all of our classrooms and each student in the high school is given a Chrome book for the year to use.