2016 Education

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Page 36 2016 EDUCATION MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY March 1, 2016
Digital detox
In this world of constant social media, now
more than ever
students learn about each other in different
ways, right? Here’s another concept that The
Harbor throws at the students and both Morgan
and Stewart call it their
favorite episode. The episode is titled
“Distractions and focuses on digital detox.”
It was best described by Stewart like this,
“Whenever Smith and his friends would go
somewhere they would all set their phone in
the middle of the table and not touch their
phone and just actually talk to each another
and not look at their phone for once.” Morgan
chimed in, “Or put their phone in the glove
compartment when they are driving. Try to
be in the moment.” Stewart added, “We think
we are so social but we are actually anti-social
from looking at our phones. Whenever you’re
looking at your phone you’re missing the world
in front of you.” Morgan marveled at the
concept being taught in the video, “The idea of
putting your phones down and connecting with
one another.” Actually having a face-to-face,
real-live conversation with one another - what a
concept!
Time to talk
During the fifteen minutes together on Friday
afternoon the students do just that, too. Every
video the students watch comes with questions
the students can download and discuss. As a
matter of fact, according to Morgan, “When
this goes on, teachers leave the room. The
teachers are all standing outside their doors.
The idea is without the teachers there, the kids
are going to be more honest with each other.
It’s students talking to students. I think that
really makes a difference, too. The fact that it
is student-led.”
Morgan did mention that this spring the
students meet on the first and third Fridays of
the month. He chose the option of meeting
twice a month during the spring semester and
adds, “Everyone seems to like it at the end of
the day on Friday. It gives them something to
think about over the weekend.”
Back to the sense of community and family
Morgan also believes meeting with the same
small group builds a sense of community.
“Hopefully there is a bond, there’s a trust that’s
gonna build. Maybe other kids at first were
not sure about this, but after maybe four or five
episodes they felt safe enough to speak up, talk
and give their opinion. So often, kids are afraid
to give their opinions, afraid they’re going to
get rejected, told they are stupid or they don’t
matter.”
Morgan strongly believes in the importance
of building a sense of family as well. “I think
people are less likely to do mean things or
hurtful things if they feel part of a family.
I’ve always thought things like this were
important. I know as a school we are so
focused on reading and writing and test scores,
but we really don’t do enough to support kids
emotionally and to make good decisions. It’s
all those unwritten rules. You know: thank
you, please, being polite to people.”
Kindness and character
Unknowingly, Morgan brings up the most
recent topic The Harbor is addressing:
Kindness. Ellen DeGeneres tells everyone
each day at the end of her talk show, “Be kind
to one another.” It’s a simple gesture that can
carry a powerful message and along the way it
definitely builds character.