Fingal, Diana. (2011). "Bloggers Beat: Are We Getting Distracted from What Really Matters?". Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), 46. Retrieved from: http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Bloggers_Beat_Are_We_Getting_Distracted_from_What_Really_Matters.aspx
Summary: Diana Fingal, the author of this article, speaks from a parent point of view, about technology in classrooms. She had recently read this article from the Washington Post, illustrating that technology such as advanced computers, cell phones,and other digital devices are "rewiring kids' brains and are posing a profound new challenge to focusing and learning". Basically kids, are being distracted from learning by technology. But is that really the case?
Aaron Franklin stated in this article, "The issue is the curriculum, not the technology. When I was in high school, I was instant messaging and chatting online all the time, but I turned out fine. Young adults have always procrastinated on homework, it's not a new problem, and it's far too east to blame technology".
Franklin points out a very true point about young adults, procrastination. I too did the same thing in high school. Also, another thought to keep in mind, students in general will always have something distracting them. Students are distracted by friends (sometimes they can be bad influence i.e. gangs), video games, computers, social networks, sitting or hanging out at the beach, and etc. It is a matter of one-on-one engagement with them to ensure that they're working on what should get done before having fun. However, I am not saying to "baby" the student each and every step, but more like lead them to the right direction.
Overall, she illustrates that technology is viewed as an easy excuse for why students are not paying attention in school and are procrastinating. She does points out that
the digital changes occurring is not going away. So, why not look into using the digital devices out there in a positive way? I have had technology around me since I was a child and I just adapted to this ever changing world of technology very well. Watching the improvements in technology is amazing. Social networks and gaming does become a distraction at times, but I have the will to actually extract myself from it. So, for those who do not have the will and have a hard time extracting themselves from gaming and social networks, how do we help them?
Q1: Should we resist technology or embrace it?
A1: Open your arms to learning! After all, as educators or aspiring educators, we're always learning something new. Technology is a great tool, if used correctly. Also, educators cannot depend on sideshows to teach their classroom. Can you image the teaching life science to young students by using kidspiration or digital cameras? Not only are they learning the cycles of plants or animals, but they're learning how to capture images with the use of a digital camera. Through kidspiration, they're able to expand on critical thinking and it's reaches the different styles of learning. Technology has a lot to offer, if it is used correctly.
Q2: Are students today distracted with technology?
A2: Yes and No. When I was in middle school, I did not have a cell phone, let alone, an iPhone. I can understand how distracting it can get with middle schoolers having a phone device that has access to the Internet. The, there is texting -- where the concerns of cheating occur. In these context, I can understand the concerns that are raised. However, that can be fixed with policies -- esp. when it's in elementary and middle school. In high school, each teacher should have his or her own rules about cell-phones.
Then, there is Facebook and other social networks. It can suck the time away from you, which I will have to say becomes a distraction for students. But, what's new? Young adults and young children will always be distracted with something. It's all about the involvement of parents and educators when it comes to getting work done. (Specifically speaking k-12).
Then, there is the gaming world that I do see can be a distraction for many students. However, I think it will also depend on who they are.
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