Digital Wellness
This unit is based on the resources available at BBTNB.ca. (OVERVIEW Page (Digital Security))
"We have the potential now to be connected online from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. This ability has positive aspects but the negative aspects can cause serious hard to you mentally, physically and in some cases claim your life. We must be aware of the impact technology is having on our health and the not so hidden dangers of using it at the wrong time. In this unit we will explore the real risk of instant death and the slow but painful end of life scenarios that overuse or inappropriate use of technology can cause. Please take this section seriously and do everything in your power to make sure you avoid these disadvantages of extreme technology access."
"We have the potential now to be connected online from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. This ability has positive aspects but the negative aspects can cause serious hard to you mentally, physically and in some cases claim your life. We must be aware of the impact technology is having on our health and the not so hidden dangers of using it at the wrong time. In this unit we will explore the real risk of instant death and the slow but painful end of life scenarios that overuse or inappropriate use of technology can cause. Please take this section seriously and do everything in your power to make sure you avoid these disadvantages of extreme technology access."
Wellness
It's so easy to get involved using a thing (especially with games, apps or even facebook) and the time just disappears. But too much of anything is unhealthy and this is especially true of digital devices. We need to take breaks. That's how humans work best. But we often don't. Why? Lots of reasons.
- It's fun.
- I lost track of time.
- It's due tomorrow (or right now, or yesterday, or ...)
- I just have to get this done!
- All my friends are on there.
- What if something happens and I don't know?!!
So, we need reminders to help us stay healthy and to take breaks. For some people, they have a parent or guardian who takes care of them. But teenagers often see this as "nagging". So, how can a responsible teenager take care of him/herself?
Maybe technology can actually help with wellness!
Fitness Apps: There are lots of apps out there to help you in your fitness. Some can measure every step you take. Some use GPS to measure how far you've run. Some can measure your heart rate and temperature. Some have workout schedules listing every exercise. Some do all this and more!
Take-a-Break Apps: These apps remind you to stretch, look away, or just move around! All of these are important for you, and if you stare at a screen, then you're not doing these things!
So, your task is to research some and then test one out.
a) Go to the Google Chrome Store and search for "break". (Link)
b) Ignore the games with the word "break".
c) Instead, focus on the wellness apps that can help your body, your arms, your eyes and even your brain!
Some are: "Take a Break", "Break Helper", "Lumosity Break", "MS Lab Break Reminder", "Move It"
Bonus (not in the Google Chrome Store):
If you have extra time, Google "StretchClock". Is it free? Can you try it out?
If you can install and run it, was it fun? useful?
Explain your answer and then give it 0-5 stars (and why).
Maybe technology can actually help with wellness!
Fitness Apps: There are lots of apps out there to help you in your fitness. Some can measure every step you take. Some use GPS to measure how far you've run. Some can measure your heart rate and temperature. Some have workout schedules listing every exercise. Some do all this and more!
Take-a-Break Apps: These apps remind you to stretch, look away, or just move around! All of these are important for you, and if you stare at a screen, then you're not doing these things!
So, your task is to research some and then test one out.
a) Go to the Google Chrome Store and search for "break". (Link)
b) Ignore the games with the word "break".
c) Instead, focus on the wellness apps that can help your body, your arms, your eyes and even your brain!
Some are: "Take a Break", "Break Helper", "Lumosity Break", "MS Lab Break Reminder", "Move It"
- Read this article on Digital Eye Strain.
Now, from the Google Chrome Store, download and try "eyeCare"
Review this app. Is it good? useful? fun? easy to do?
Explain your answer and then give it 0-5 stars (and why). - Choose another wellness app from the Google Chrome Store, download it and try it out!
Then, review the app, explaining what you liked and didn't like. Was it good? useful? fun? easy to do?
Explain your answer and then give it 0-5 stars (and why). - Try Lumosity. It advertises that it's games help your brain to grow. What do you think?
If you have time, try it out! - Go back to the Google Chrome Store and look up "Fitness".
Choose an app or extension, download it and try it out.
Review this app. Is it good? useful? fun? easy to do?
Explain your answer and then give it 0-5 stars (and why). - Is there anything new that you have learned from the above information and answers? If so, explain. If not, why not?
- Are there other types of wellness apps that were not included above? Please list them and provide links.
Bonus (not in the Google Chrome Store):
If you have extra time, Google "StretchClock". Is it free? Can you try it out?
If you can install and run it, was it fun? useful?
Explain your answer and then give it 0-5 stars (and why).