Mindfulness of Tech: Navigating the Digital Age
With mindfulness of technology, students use their phones as tools to capture meaningful moments and create a positive impact on their communities.
Encouraging your students to be observant is a valuable skill that extends beyond simply capturing interesting footage with a camera. By paying attention to the details in their surroundings, they can learn to appreciate the world in a more profound way. When you challenge your students to grab their cameras and film something in their neighborhood, you empower them to become active participants in their own lives.
I recently challenged my students to use their phones to film anything that catches their interest in their neighborhood. Some of them were curious about what to film, so I simply responded by saying, 'Anything that piques your interest will do.' So, take a walk around your neighborhood and capture whatever grabs your attention, whether it's a beautiful sunset, a chirping bird or someone doing groceries. This is a chance to explore your surroundings and put in practice your observation, so have fun with it!
Despite my intentionally broad prompt, I was pleased to see that my students were genuinely intrigued about what they should film with their phones. This curiosity is a testament to the art of observation and its potential to inspire and engage us.
It's possible that some students may struggle with the idea of being an active observer rather than a passive consumer of videos. While they may be accustomed to watching videos for entertainment, they may not have developed the skill of observing their surroundings with intentionality and capturing what they find interesting or meaningful.
Social media platforms have benefited greatly from this disjunction, and that is precisely why they have shifted their focus to short-form videos in order to drive engagement. These videos often feature playful cats, people showcasing their dance moves, and others highlighting their travel experiences or adventures. These types of videos have become increasingly popular due to their ability to captivate viewers' attention and provide entertainment in a concise and engaging format. By prioritizing these types of videos, social media platforms have capitalized on the power of video content to keep users engaged and coming back for more.Â
In a culture where technology is easily accessible for both consumption and production, every second, we generate thousands of images, but only a fraction of them are captured with intentionality. Similarly, we are drawn to videos of people dancing, and often find them highly engaging due to the sheer entertainment value they offer. While humor and entertainment are certainly important elements of these videos, we must also recognize that there may be more to them than meets the eye. Playful cat videos, for example, might bring a sense of joy and happiness to our lives, providing a brief respite from the stresses of the day. Similarly, dance videos can be a way to express creativity, celebrate cultural traditions, or showcase the artistry of talented performers.
In short, while we may be drawn to these types of videos for their entertainment value, they can also serve a deeper purpose, bringing meaning and enrichment to our lives in unexpected ways. As such, it's important to approach all forms of media with a critical eye and an open mind, recognizing that there may be more to them than we initially realize.
The Power of Observation
Oftentimes, we take pictures and record videos without giving much thought to why we are doing so. We do it "just in case" or "just because it's cute" or "funny," but if someone were to ask us why we felt the need to capture that moment, we would be hard-pressed to come up with a meaningful answer. This lack of intentionality can be attributed to a failure to truly observe and engage with our surroundings.
Whether we are passively watching or actively filming, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of mechanical engagement, where we are physically present but mentally checked out. In order to capture truly impactful images, we must make a conscious effort to pay attention and engage with the world around us. This means taking the time to observe and appreciate the details of our surroundings, noticing the beauty in the ordinary, and seeking out moments of meaning and significance.
By doing so, we can elevate our photography and videography from mere documentation to a form of art and storytelling, conveying a sense of purpose and meaning to our viewers.Â
Our brains are wired to store information in our memory when we pay close attention to the phenomena around us. If we fail to engage with our surroundings, we deprive our minds of the opportunity to process and store that information. Unfortunately, this is often what happens when we consume countless moving images (videos) on social media, music videos, short form videos, advertisements, and so on. Our attention spans get hijacked, leaving us with little time to reflect on the true meaning of the images we are consuming. As a result, we end up using our powerful technological tools merely to capture and share videos of cats and other trivial things.
It's important to remember that our devices, whether cameras or smartphones, are more than just tools for capturing amusing moments. They have the potential to be powerful tools for creativity, expression, and communication. By engaging with our surroundings in a more meaningful way, we can harness the power of these devices to tell compelling stories, share important messages, and create art that truly resonates with our viewers and communities.
The Bottom Line
Encouraging your students to be observant is a valuable skill that extends beyond simply capturing interesting footage with a camera. By paying attention to the details in their surroundings, they can learn to appreciate the world in a more profound way. When you challenge your students to grab their cameras and film something in their neighborhood, you empower them to become active participants in their own lives.
Through this process, they will learn to be more present and engaged with the world around them. As a result, they will start to pay more attention in class, and will become more curious and critical about the videos they watch on social media. By developing a keen sense of observation, they will begin to understand the techniques used to create compelling video content and the motivations behind them.
In essence, you are not just encouraging your students to become documentary filmmakers, but also empowering them to become active, engaged members of society. By sharing their perspectives and experiences through their videos, they can create a powerful connection with their audience and inspire others to take an interest in the world around them. So go ahead, challenge your students to be observant and see how they transform into creative and curious individuals with a new appreciation for the world around them.
Mindfulness of Tech in Action
The video below showcases the creative process of students using their phones to document events in their neighborhoods during a documentary workshop at the Manhattan International High School.
