PUBLISHER ‘S CORNER I was reading an interesting article in the news magazine “Te Week” that describes how peo-
ple are becoming addicted to technology, specifically their mobile devices. In the article there were some quotes that really stood out: “Don’t blame the gadgets,” said Alexis Madrigal, senior editor of
TeAtlantic.com. “People have a pathological relationship with their devices,” said Stanford University Psychologist Kelly McGonical. “People feel not just addicted, but trapped.” So my question is: Do you compulsively check your email everywhere you go, at all hours
Addicted to Technology
By Tony Corpin
tony@stnonline.com
of the day and night? Ding. Ding. Two more emails. When I was in college, I received my first cellphone: a Motorola flip. It was really cool, but
today that phone is a dinosaur. Mobile devices with their social networking and personal organization technology are here to make our lives easier and more efficient. Tis is also translating into benefits for school transportation operators. For example, transportation software and routing companies are offering users a better experience by integrating with iPads and other mobile devices to stay connected to the office, share files, route vehicles and track students as well as incidents on the bus. In July at the 2012 STN School Bus EXPO in Reno, Nev., there was an array of new tech-
nology, including online apps, stop-arm violation cameras and recorders, LED lighting, back-up cameras, GPS, RFID cards, Doppler radar detection in the loading and unloading zone and much more. In talking with attendees, stop-arm cameras in particular are as hot as ever. School districts are looking for new ways to improve safety around the bus that also positively impact the budget bottom line. “Safety is our No. 1 priority, and if using stop-arm camera technology can help prevent
illegal passing, I’m for it”, said Pete Meslin, director of transportation at Newport-Mesa School District in Southern California, last year’s STN Leadership Award winner and an STN EXPO presenter. Technology does have its place on school buses and, as a result, districts have more op-
tions than ever before. Ultimately, the goal is to improve safety and efficiency. By investing in these new types of technology, school transportation professionals can improve the end result of getting kids to and from school safely. It is important to remember, however, that while technology is enabling us all to do more,
we need to embrace down time. Our jobs can all be strenuous, and employers are asking employees to do more with less and expecting them to be available 24/7. Companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter are now teaching their employees meditation and mindful- ness and warning them of the dangers of constant texting, tweeting and web-surfing. With tablets, smartphones and other digital devices reshaping how people work, com-
municate and spend their free time, you have to consider what that is doing to our minds and our children’s minds. When is it too much? So, when you feel that need to text or email someone right away while at a stop light, the
dinner table or in bed, take a moment to put the devices down. Don’t be afraid to unplug, for safety’s sake and for your own sanity. Go outside to smell the roses. Your device and all those unanswered messages aren’t going anywhere, and you’ll be a bit happier and more relaxed when you rejoin the “Never-Ending Conversation.” Save your attention for the truly important moments, such as when transporting chil- dren to and from school. ■
74 School Transportation News Magazine September 2012
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