Though I teach history and cultural studies, I always do my best to discuss how technology, and our obsession with it, affects how students think, analyze, resolve conflicts and be patient.
So, I wanted to teach my students a valuable lesson and see once and for all, if having a face-to-face conversation is actually more effective than texting someone or being in a group chat.
I wanted to reward them with a treat. I let them pick between pizza or some sort of chicken dish.
However, there is a catch. I split them up into two groups. The first group had to come to a unanimous decision on whether they wanted pizza or chicken and they had to do it via a text message group chat. So, no speaking.
The second group, had to also come to a unanimous decision, however, they had to do it in a face-to-face discussion and debate. Both groups will only have eight minutes to come to their decision.
So, will the group who's having a face-to-face talk come to their unanimous decision quicker? Or will this prove that text messaging, even though it's not personal, is an effective way to actually communicate?
You guys have eight minutes. All right, clock started.
Are you guys sending memes? Chicken or pizza? Ready, start your discussion.
- But did he say fries? - Wait, wait wait. Where did fries come into the picture? It said chicken tenders or fried chicken.
Okay that's fine, but you can get the sauce from the cafeteria. You want cafeteria sauce? How about if someone's vegetarian? - Well, you guys have three minutes or you get nothing.
