MAC vs. PC

I was motivated to write a blog on the topic of Apple products vs. android/ PC products due to the constant conversation surrounding the iphone vs. blackberry argument that arises during our teacher and technology course, and, lets face it, everywhere else in the developed world right now.

Prior to this year, I owned a blackberry smart phone and a PC (ACER) laptop. The only reason I purchased the Blackberry phone originally (back in 2008) was because quite simply, I was jumping on the band wagon... and that was before everyone was really into the whole iphone thing. The only reason I purchased a PC laptop was because it was the cheapest option for me at the time, and to be honest I was more familiar with the PC set-up due to my military training than I was with the MAC;  even though I grew up using Macs (my mom began buying Mac computers back in the early 90's).

I stayed away from purchasing any apple products because they were out of my price range, and I was attempting to stick to my budget. However, all that has changed within the last 6 months.

First: I decided I hated being connected to everyone at all times of the day and night. I felt angry and upset when my phone would blow up with emails, and I began to feel like I was genuinely addicted to checking my facebook on my phone. One day I woke up and felt disgusted with my behaviour. I knew I had to get rid of my blackberry... and so I did. I have never been happier. I have a regular flip phone that can text and call... and thats about it. Some people may feel like I am living in the stone age with this  type of phone, but I am really enjoying my freedom from the world of the smart phone. Sometimes, for a brief moment (like during our teacher and technology class - when we talk about apps that can be used effectively in the classroom or just for personal use), I feel like I HAVE to get an iphone to have access to all of the new and exciting technologies (i.e. Webster's Dictionary App). But then I think to myself, "Lacey... do you really want to be back in THAT place? The place where you are being assaulted by work 24/7? Where you feel like you can never get away from it all and get some peace?" The answer for me, fortunately or perhaps unfortunately, is still "NO". Perhaps in the future my feelings on this subject may change, and I may invest once again in a smart phone (most likely an iphone... I'm done with blackberry). But for now, I like who I am and I seem to manage my three jobs, full-time university and the rest of my life just fine without the use of any apps.

Second: My PC laptop was only 2 years old when it completely died on me. 2 YEARS OLD! Can you believe that? Well I couldn't, and I was livid when reality forced me to. I assumed that I would purchase another PC, however when I went to staples to purchase a laptop I was convinced by the salesman that although the PC's were cheaper, the MAC would last me three times as long as the PC and therefore I would get a better product for my money. At first I was hesitant, mainly because of the price. But in light of my recent frustrations with my PC, I decided that I should make the jump to MAC. I purchased a Macbook air and... I LOVE IT. I know now that I made the right decision and that I will never go back to PC.

I feel that in terms of being an effective educator, I am not at a disadvantage in the classroom because I am lacking a smart phone. However, I do feel that owning a MAC has helped me to be more effective in the classroom. The programs that the MAC offers (i.e. imovie, or photobooth) are very useful in helping to create exciting and engaging lessons for my students. I feel more comfortable using technology in the classroom now that I have a MAC because I find it to be more user friendly than my PC was. When I had my PC, I would have never thought of using as much technology as I do now that I have my MAC. This is because I am more comfortable with using my MAC than I ever was with my PC. I still prefer to rely on my "traditional" methods of teaching - (i.e. physically modeling things for students, engaging in process drama, hands-on exercises and activities, etc), but it is nice to know that when it is appropriate to use technological means to help students understand concepts and build in-depth connections, I am comfortable and have the means of doing so.