From a secondary teacher's point of view, I think the more mature kids do well with their own devices. Often, they will use their phones to look up information that adds to the discussions we have in class.
Students who aren't at the honors level do not do as well with their own devices, however. They use their phones instead of engaging in class discussion and create disturbances by texting one another, logging onto Facebook, and blurting out whatever silliness they can find online just to get attention. But I think a college prep classroom is an excellent place for phones, laptops, and Kindles.
I agree that there could be ways to use the electronics effectively, but that many students do not have the will power to manage that well. Even in professional development activities with other adults I have seen that many adults can not stay on task with the full range of electronics available. It can be great for looking up details and answering questions, but takes a fair amount of effort to keep from being distracting.
I am always so torn on this topic. First, technological devices have become so critical to student's lives it is difficult for them to understand why and how they should not use these devices in school. I also have certainly seen students use phones, ipods, ipads, etc in a helpful and educational way. On the other hand, I agree with the previous post that many students do not have enough self-restraint to use their technology in a beneficial way most of the time. Additionally, I also do subscribe to the line of thought that many of our students could use a break from social media from time to time.
I think this is a great idea in theory. I'm curious how it plays out in the day to day life of the school system. Please keep us up to date on how it is going. How is it being implemented? What are the guidelines set in place ahead of time?
If my kids were taught how to use their devices appropriately and at the correct time, I think they could be very helpful! So often kids ask questions that they could actually research and answer themselves. It would be great to have an instant answer in their own hands!
From a secondary teacher's point of view, I think the more mature kids do well with their own devices. Often, they will use their phones to look up information that adds to the discussions we have in class.
ReplyDeleteStudents who aren't at the honors level do not do as well with their own devices, however. They use their phones instead of engaging in class discussion and create disturbances by texting one another, logging onto Facebook, and blurting out whatever silliness they can find online just to get attention. But I think a college prep classroom is an excellent place for phones, laptops, and Kindles.
I agree that there could be ways to use the electronics effectively, but that many students do not have the will power to manage that well. Even in professional development activities with other adults I have seen that many adults can not stay on task with the full range of electronics available. It can be great for looking up details and answering questions, but takes a fair amount of effort to keep from being distracting.
ReplyDeleteI am always so torn on this topic. First, technological devices have become so critical to student's lives it is difficult for them to understand why and how they should not use these devices in school. I also have certainly seen students use phones, ipods, ipads, etc in a helpful and educational way.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I agree with the previous post that many students do not have enough self-restraint to use their technology in a beneficial way most of the time. Additionally, I also do subscribe to the line of thought that many of our students could use a break from social media from time to time.
I think this is a great idea in theory. I'm curious how it plays out in the day to day life of the school system. Please keep us up to date on how it is going. How is it being implemented? What are the guidelines set in place ahead of time?
ReplyDeleteIf my kids were taught how to use their devices appropriately and at the correct time, I think they could be very helpful! So often kids ask questions that they could actually research and answer themselves. It would be great to have an instant answer in their own hands!
ReplyDelete