Tech Pet Peeves

I came across this article from Real Simple, which discusses some tech etiquette.  I know I am guilty of a few of these "rules".  I find more and more, I am checking email and constantly trying to stay connected. I know it's rude, but I check in without thinking first.  It's automatic.
Something that drives me crazy as a teacher is texting during class.  I know students say they can pay attention and text at the same time, but I know they are not fully attending.  Automatic for students, too?
What are some of your tech pet peeves?

I posted a link to my blog on the Real Simple website.  Let's see if I have any traffic as a result!

Online learning and teaching

Having been a student and a teacher in online classes, I have learned that the biggest factor for success is communication.  Tone, clarity and timeliness are all essential for both parties in online classes. From my perspective as a student, nothing was more frustrating than "not getting" the content or the instructor's directions. Even more frustrating was the instructor "not getting" my frustrations or problems with the course.  Is communication even more important in online classes?  What are some pitfalls with online learning?

Facebook about face

It seems that just recently Facebook took off in popularity.  Everyone it seemed, was asking me, "Are you on Facebook?"  I never put much personal information on the site and I keep my profile pretty generic.  I am not terrible concerned about privacy settings, but I do find it annoying that I am asked to change my settings frequently.   Facebook is supposed to be entertaining and fun, not confusing.  I feel like they have us where they want us: we've been hooked in by finding long lost friends and the trade off is our personal information.  I found another post called "Farewell Facebook" that discussed this issue in more detail. 

Technology for Technology's Sake

As much as I love technology, I am concerned that people are using technology for technology's sake.  Although it can be a tool, I think some use it just as that.  For example, is a document camera just a glorified overhead projector?  I have seen it used this way often.  Also, I have seen teachers design lessons around a interactive whiteboard and the lesson just doesn't seem natural.  Integrating technology so that it enhances, not drives, the lesson is difficult. 
Click here for another blog that discusses this issue.