Journal #1

Finding New Ways To Connect by Eleanor Sang Yu

This article addresses the issue of the technology explosion on college campuses. It describes the many devices students have with them in class; laptops, cellphones, i-pods, etc. and how professors are choosing to deal with this new technology.

Question 1. Is this new technology disracting?

The article says "Brain experts, however, say constantly switching attention is not advantageous. Decades of data show that people – including Millennials – make more errors and complete tasks more slowly when trying to do several things at once, said Jordan Grafman, a cognitive neuroscientist with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke." As a student of a generation that does not participate in all the technological multi-tasking it certainly looks to me like it is distracting and not conducive to in-depth thinking about the activity at hand. I can see from just looking around the room that many students are focused more on their cell phones and text messaging than listening to the lecture. However, given that this technology is here to stay, I'm sure the academic world will adapt. I do think though that a drawback to all the student technology in the classroom is that it can lead to a lack of respect for the learning environment.

Question 2. What are the steps teachers are taking to ensure that their classrooms will still be places of learning, even with all the technological distractions?

Many teachers are taking the attitude "If you can't beat them, join them." The article detailed the expanding use of the "clicker." This enables students to participate in class a la "poll the audience" on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" I will be experiencing that myself later this semester when my GES 105 class begins using the clicker. Loading the class with a lot of web involvement and discussion boards is also popular. Personally I really enjoy a class with a web component. I think the fact that it allows students to be able to work at their convenience is a real asset and probably increases participation.