After reviewing this section I was intrigued at how varied the perspectives are on multitasking and whether or not constant Internet usage is addicting and harmful or stimulating and educational. I can understand the frustration educators must feel about losing the total attention of their students during class due to their ability to be constantly "plugged in". However, I agree with the opinions of students at MIT that not only will multitasking be required of them in the work force, but it is a skill they are much more comfortable with than older generations. It seems easier for them to grasp main ideas during a lecture while simultaneously accessing various sites and chatting with friends.
I think our school systems are working towards becoming more accepting of incorporating technology into everyday education, but the constant struggle to control and discipline student use is counterproductive. Instead of always focusing on what students should not be doing with their phones, blackberries and ipods, teachers should think about how to incorporate individual technologies into everyday lessons and assignments. Every student comes to school with access to the Internet in their pocket so why not use it instead of lamenting about how the school budget can't afford to supply personal computers for everyone? If teachers and administrators created ways to accept and utilize technology that students already have into their curriculum the results could be surprisingly advantageous. And while the concern is that inappropriate use that could harm students, maybe focus needs to be put on raising responsible, technologically proficient students from a very young age. It seems a battle already lost when discipline and punitive measures are put before education and responsibility.
I agree wholeheartedly with the majority of what you are saying. If the technology is being used in the classroom, students are less likely to use it for other things. However if it is something like allowing the usage of computers to take notes from a regular lecture, of course they will be doing other things. I have noticed even just from our computers in the classroom class, I don't go on my phone or check websites like I might with other classes because we are engaged and using the technology in fun and educating ways.
ReplyDeleteTrue true Rachel. This class is a lot better at holding my attention. Although I spent a bunch of last class editing my blog and changing around some of the design components. I think I was paying attention well enough to the rest of the class. But... thats the tricky part you don't remember what you never heard. I guess for me it aslo depends on the kind of digital distractions. I can work with a visual program like google earth, or photoshop and listen attentively BUT if I attempt to write an email and listen to a lecture I'm screwed!
ReplyDeleteAlso... hey Ann!
I love that you are focusing on HOW TO use this technology not on HOW NOT TO use this technology. It is a much more positive way of approaching the challenge of a phone in every pocket and a computer on every desk. If we spent more time encouraging kids to use their smartphonoes to their educational advantage we wouldn't have to spend so much time trying to control usage. I'm not sure if you watched the fourth video on Digital Parenting?but it seemed strange that not once did the main subject of the video talk about encouraging positive use of technology. Instead they focused on controlling usage and worrying!