The use of technology in the classroom has increased drastically over the past decade. This trend can be seen in many schools across the nation at every level of the educational system. A typical kindergarten classroom in the year 2018 has a television, a smart board, and usually some computers or tablets. These tools are used to compliment instruction and make the learning process easier for students. We also see technology being used more at the college level. For example, many universities offer courses that are exclusively online which allows for students to take classes from the comfort of their home. Although the positive impact of technology in the classroom is clear, the consequences are often over looked. Some of the negative …show more content…
According to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, students are spending more time on their cellphones and less time paying attention in class. This study surveyed 675 students across 26 states and found that these students are checking their phones 11 times per class on average. The study goes on to estimate that students are spending around 20% of their class time on their mobile devices. This means students are not simply checking the time, but instead using their phones to respond to text messages, explore social media platforms, and play games. With distraction at an all-time high and attention spans at all-time low; many schools are taking new steps to limit cell-phone use in the classroom. One of these steps involves blocking the social media sites that students are frequently visiting. Once blocked, students who are connected to the school's internet will be unable to access these sites. Another technique schools are using to combat distraction involves using these social platforms to remind students of upcoming assignments or due dates. In order to limit distraction in the classroom, we must acknowledge that cellphone use is a problem and implement technology in new …show more content…
Today, most students have their eyes glued to mobile devices and rarely engage in actual conversation. Communication among students before and after class has been replaced with headphones and scrolling fingers. "The availability of instant communication [Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.] seems to distract us from the communication opportunities right in front of us" (Lengacher). Students of all ages are missing out on crucial communication development which will hurt them in workplace. In the past, teachers would have to remind their class to settle down or keep the chatter to a minimum; but in recent years professors are finding it more difficult to get their students to participate in discussion (Bruyckere). With less interaction, teachers must devise new techniques to force communication. One of these methods involves the use of blogs or online journals. Students post responses to various readings or activities and their classmates can comment back. Another way teachers can promote discussion in the classroom is by assigning more group-based projects. These assignments can help build critical communication and teamwork