The band OK Go has become a huge favorite of my two sons — mostly because their video for White Knuckles (or, as Will calls it, “the doggies”) is so captivating. But I’m absolutely in love with both their videos for “This Too Shall Pass.” Shot in their typical one-camera single-take style, the two versions seem almost diametrically opposed to each other. The first video I ever saw for it (though I guess it was actually the second one released) has the band setting up and participating in a Rube Goldberg machine extravaganza — electric, complicated, and detailed. The second video (actually the first released) has them “unplugged” of sorts — actually part of an intricate marching band routine.

I’ve been struggling lately with the notion of needing to unplug and disconnect every so often — both personally and because we’re talking about whole child education at school and I’ve been defending the increased use of technology as a part of a well-rounded and balanced education. I like how these two versions of the same song both have their intricacies but each have a much different feel.

I’m trying to find a way to talk about technology using these two videos. You should be able to have it all — a totally connected, collaborative, and complicated world with moments of unplugged quiet. Neither is better or worse than the other, but both are absolutely necessary to maintaining some sense of balance.