Sunday Night Circle

In Thursday's SEDU 183 class, we had a heated discussion about whether or not Personal Learning Networks (PLN) were helpful or hurtful to the classroom, to the teachers and to the students.  As a class, I felt we all vocalized pros and cons to the PNL idea. 

I can certainly see the benefits of integrating technology into the classroom.  I can also see the benefits of using a professional PNL to enhance my own professional development and teaching techniques.  However, I, along with several of my fellow students, believe that it does become a bit overwhelming to keep up with all of the information being offered through our textbook. 

I, personally, am not a huge fan of Twitter and use Facebook for personal relationships only.  I understand that both of these mediums can be used in a professional atmosphere and I am not completely closed off to the idea of using them in the future.  For now, however, I am still on the fence. 

One of the concerns voiced by a classmate was the need for face-to-face contact between students who are prone to texting and e-mail in lieu of speaking to one another in person or calling one another on the phone.  This, as a parent of two teenagers, is a concern of mine as well. 

Hence my incorporation of what I refer to as the "Sunday Night Circle." 

On any given Sunday night in the Divine Mrs. M's household, a group of teenagers gather around the dinner table where the Divine Mrs. M provides a meal of pasta or tacos, etc.  Cell phones are checked at the door and what commences is a forum for discussion, debate and laughter.  Anyone and everyone is welcome and the topics are always lively, interesting and thought-provoking. 

The rules are simple ... no cell phones, no vulgar language or sharing gossip, respect one another's opinions and no one is allowed to interrupt another person when he/she is speaking.  Topics we have broached are teen pregnancy rates, the Theory of Evolution, dress codes, the philosophies of Plato, Nietzche and Joseph Campbell, alcohol and drug use, Glee, Lady Gaga, Asking Alexandria and the college selection process .... just to name a few. 

I find that once you take away the technology and get teenagers in an environment where their opinions are not only respected but encouraged, the conversation can last for hours and everyone can take away something from the discussion. 

During the "Sunday Night Circle," the Divine Mrs. M acts as mediator and facilitator of the conversation and also as a proofreader for term papers and college essays.  It has become a staple in my home and has provided my children and their friends the opportunity to feel comfortable speaking in a group and sharing their own opinions. 

The art of communication has not died due to modern technology.  However, extra effort has to be made to get people talking to one another ... one-on-one ... face-to-face ... and in a group.  I feel that I have accomplished this in my own household and hope to be able to carry that over into my classroom, as well. 

I am not opposed to technology.  I find it valuable in a variety of different ways.  But I feel that a healthy balance is necessary so that teachers do not rely on it entirely to teach their students, come up with creative ideas or become so stressed out by the process that they get frustrated and want to pull their hair out.  Given the choice between Twitter or Facebook and the "Sunday Night Circle," the "Circle" will win everytime.