Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction
By MATT RICHTEL
Published: November 21, 2010
Review:
The New York Times has a series entitled, “Your Brain on
Computers.” Columnists contribute stories highlighting the identification of negative implications on the constant use of technology. In the article, “Growing up Digital, Wired
for Distraction,” Matt Richtel describes students at Woodside High School, a high school located in Silicon Valley. This school is committed to full integration of
technology in the classroom through the use of texting, I-Pads and apps, and teacher/student communication via websites which teachers build themselves. All of these tools appear to help enhance the
21st century learner on the surface.
However, the crux of the article is the identification
of the distraction 21st century learners are facing. Without boundaries students are meshing their educational and personal computing experiences with negative effects. The author notes, students don’t
simply use their home computers for homework or educational purposes, they are
used for entertainment and by in large are not supervised during these endeavors. Students are trying to manage blogging for
class, searching YouTube videos, collaborating on websites, and playing video
games all while trying to write their English essays. Students are having a hard time
compartmentalizing their experiences and therefore their school work is
suffering. The article highlights one
student in particular, Vishal Singh, who is identified as one of the smartest
students at Woodside High School.
However, his grades have dropped from A’s to D’s as a result of his
technology interests. He is having a
hard time managing what is required with his personal interests because he is often distracted while trying to complete homework.
I recommend this article because it allows us as educators to
reflect on the technology experiences of our students. The focus is not on the use of technology for
technology sake, but making sure students are making the most out of their
experiences. We will need to consider the
pros and cons and comparisons of technology use inside and outside of the
classroom.
I enjoyed reading about the article you posted. I do have one question, do the students have the option of signing out the ipads if they don't have them at home? I try to multitask somthimes and usually have multiple windows open on my computer. When I can focus on one thing at a time, I complete the task so much soooner. Students seems to be unable to do one task at a time. I see many of my students try to listen to music while trying to do other things.
ReplyDeleteWell said. We will need to evaluate the technology accordances when integrating technologies for educational uses, "The focus is not on the use of technology for technology sake, but making sure students are making the most out of their experiences. We will need to consider the pros and cons and comparisons of technology use inside and outside of the classroom."
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