I am a huge advocate for using technology. I blend my classroom online and I am an avid user of social media. But just like anything else, there should be a balance. I am very thankful for having that and taking a break from the computer last week and I think I need to do this in the classroom as well.
No one should only teach using one method because not all students learn in one way. I hope to keep that in mind when my students enter my classroom in the fall. I will take my experience of being unplugged and use that same spirit when we go outside to be inspired or start a new project and take time to just experience the act of making art. Art is about being in the moment; so is living a full life. If I spend all of my time online and plugged in, then I am probably missing out on a chance to be out there in the world doing something. If I am always checking my cell or twitter or facebook, then I am probably missing the chance to really be in a moment with the person or people I am around. It might sound like common sense, but sometimes a trip to Paris isn't a bad way to be reminded that it is true.