I read the article that is titled Is Educational Technology Shortening Students' Attention Spans? and I have concluded that, while both sides have good arguments, both guys present faulty arguments. The first writer, David M. Marcovitz, says students today are having shortened attention spans uses supporting data from the 1980’s. I’m sorry but this article was written in 2008 and there should be more recent evidence to use to support your case. We didn’t even have the internet in the 1980’s for goodness sake! The second guy, John David Son, states his argument based on the fact that because students use the technology they will thereby learn better when using that technology. He essentially made the argument that if a classroom doesn’t have technology in it or if a teacher fails to use it then the students won’t learn. What happens in P.E. then? I don’t plan on using a lot of technology in that class so does that mean that the students won’t learn anything about proper bodily mechanics or nutrition? I would argue that technology is shortening students’ attention spans.
I agree with Mr. Marcovitz when he says that “even the best educational technology teaches the hidden lesson of short attention.” Students now expect things immediately and want instant answers. They have lost the ability to have patience and search for the correct answer. I would be curious to see what would happen if you took away their technology and told them they had to research a paper. I think most of them would be lost and confused because they have never had to find information in books or in a library. I do however agree with Mr. Son when he says that “school leaders, teachers, and other district personnel must believe that educational technology is the vehicle to engage our students and capture their minds while delivering the school’s instructional content.” Technology can be a very useful tool and I agree that it does make it much easier to present information and connect with students. I just dislike the fact that students cannot seem to comprehend things without technology or that they cannot wait for something when they are used to instant gratification.
Hello David! I am commenting on your blog again. I have already commented on someone else's blog, so this comment if of infinitesimal substance. I just like your blog, it smells pretty. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteFrom what you have presented of the article I agree with the conclusion you drew that both arguements were faulty. There is no comparison with what students have access to today and what we had in the 80s.
ReplyDeleteAnd since nowdays students are surrounded with technology that gives them instant gratification, many seem to have lost the ability to spend the effort to find good information outside of what their iPhone tells them.