to think that DD21 must move with the times

[backtotheolddhouse]

DD is a complete technophobe. As we are not well off we got onto the whole tech bandwagon quite late, but now DD is disgusted by pretty much all tech and I feel it’s holding her back.

She’s first in the family to go to uni, but hates it as she has few friends but refuses to use SM and has a flip phone.

Upset she has no BF but won’t use online dating.

Is looking for jobs as a teacher but rejected multiple interviews as they asked about her tech proficiency (which is good) and she doesn’t want to work in a school that uses tech outside ICT.

I see no problem in the first two but the last one isn't great, it would be good to be open to technology in the workplace, especially when teaching young children and making use of all the new technology available to teachers.

She could get a job at a Waldorf school, but most other schools are moving towards full technology integration. DD’s school does almost all work on computers. Even her about to retire teachers have had to adapt.

All schools use technology to plan and display work. No more black boards and chalk. Surely she knows this as she was at school and is at uni. Lecturers use tech ? Lessons are planned and shared on shared platforms with other teachers and staff, data is uploaded. Etc

Would she benefit from an adult Ed course in technology? She's going to be seriously limited in her career if she is unwilling to embrace it at the most basic level. Do you know why she's so averse to it?

Yes she’s aware, and knows that she will have to do her own planning/presenting on powerpoint or whatever but doesn’t want the children using it much.

Waldorf schools are actually a great idea, thanks Pondering

@IglesiasPiggl She swears up and down that the world is a worse place because of too much tech, and doesn’t want to perpetuate its use. She’s very good at using it (as she has only started being like this since she was 17ish) and always fixes everyone’s tech issues

Can you get to the bottom of WHY a bit more maybe? Because technology isn't optional anymore and better for her to get used to it now rather than learning to be dependent on others or missing out on opportunities etc because of refusing.

Computing is on the national curriculum. I work in year 1&2 and we are learning about algorithms, creating digital work, commenting on digital work, sharing digital work and programming.

I have a relative who is the same however their job doesn't depend on tech. I don't know a school that doesn't have online learning and commuication platforms.

Last one would be a deal breaker in every school I've worked in.

She's right, it is, and particularly because of social media. However that doesn't change that she's holding herself back in terms of jobs etc. Perhaps she just needs to learn for herself that she won't get anywhere without succumbing to tech.

It’s not much use, but I wanted to say she’s not alone! I’m in full agreement with her and I’m tired of schools forcing tech on to kids outside of school to do things that can be done better, even, without. The fuss over AI is interesting to watch. But it is a problem for employers precisely because it is being forced on us.

I don’t see a problem with this at all.

People made friends and found boyfriends before social media and online dating existed. She’s more likely to meet someone with the same values as her if she doesn’t use social media or OLD to meet someone.

She can work in a Montessori, Waldorf or Forest school.

How can someone be disgusted by technology? It is a strangely emotional response.

I would not be happy to have DCs taught by someone who wants to run away from technology. Far better for them to develop a proper understanding of its advantages and limitations.

Technology creates some fascinating opportunities in education but these can't be exploited by people who want to avoid it and pretend it isn't happening.

I’d find it a bit odd for a teacher to not use technology. Even whiteboards and dry erasers are modern (<100 years old) not to mention Lego, felt tips, photocopiers, etc. It would be hard to get by. Unless this is really just about “computers” which is very arbitrary.

She’s not wrong that tech has changed the world in a negative way and I get not wanting kids on technology… but then she is also removing opportunities for these students- tech is only going to be more integrated into society and these kids will need to know it. A teacher not letting kids use it is kind of disadvantaging the students in comparison to their peers so unfortunately unless she goes to a nature school she will have to use tech in the classroom

I agree with you - as much as she's entitled to her views (which to some extent I agree with) part of growing up is learning when it is/isn't appropriate to make adjustments to fit in with prevailing norms, and impose your views on others.

She also seems quite extreme - if she doesn't want to be glued to her phone she could put timers on it to restrict usage, and just not download apps she doesn't want to use, like social media etc. but denying herself free means of contact with friends, which inevitably is going to mean she gets left out of things if that's the main way they communicate, seems like cutting off her nose to spite her face. Not to mention access to things like google maps which are invaluable if she got lost somewhere, food places which require scanning QR codes to order etc.

It's completely fair enough if she's looking at other people her age and thinking they are wasting their lives on social media - but a lot of them will also be using said social media to document their lives and all the fun things they get up to, whereas it sounds like she doesn't have many friends, doesn't do much, will struggle to get a job in her chosen field if she won't even attend interviews on the basis of what is a very standard question (at least go to the interview and find out how much emphasis is placed on tech and what leeway there is with it) and is generally a bit unhappy. So is her adherence to these self-imposed values really doing much for her?

Waldorf/(insert trendy expensive non-school here) Schools are a silly idea, that would be like telling a trained nurse she could go and work as a paramedic. Your DD would need to retrain (and fund it herself).

How on earth did she pass her PGCE without using appropriate IT in the classroom though? It's one of the teaching standards. I think she's having you on OP.

Could she become a gardener or a chef, or something that doesn't require tech

I agree to an extent with her views on personal social media but she cannot expect to work without embracing and using tech where appropriate.
I also think she could have a closed social media presence just for the socialising aspect and messaging. She could just have an account but not post anything.
I have a friend who needs to see certain fb groups for community events and so on and she has this not even a picture of her just a basic profile.
I would have thought she could manage the dating aspect old school by going out or joining some groups to meet people.
Ultimately though she's an adult and it's up to her.

Part of a teacher’s job is to demonstrate appropriate use of technology and prepare children .Lots of work is done around online etiquette and safety. She would be doing her classes an injustice by refusing to engage with the subject.

Could she suck it up for a year and then do tutoring. That won't require tech and she may find it much more rewarding than the go go go of the classroom.

More people use tutoring than outside the aggressive hothousing for grammar and CE, she seems like a gentle soul so I think she'd do good.

Choosing not to utilise some tech is fine (my DP doesn't have a phone and uses no social media, but works in a school). I can't imagine being in education without engaging in tech use - whether that's showing kids how to use it or just marking a register!

Is she actually trained as a teacher?

Whiteboards are very modern! I’m only 40 but there were no whiteboard in our schools or my peers’ schools.