Matt Adams Third Article: When Gadgets Get In The Way

“When Gadgets Get In the Way” is a New York Times article discussing the effects computers have on schools, particularly the way teachers are combatting the distractions of technology in the classrooms with technology of their own. The article focuses on five methods specific to teachers you have come up with genius ways to get their lectures across. While reading this article, I couldn’t help but think, “I wish I had this teacher.” The methods used are innovative and interesting, improving on methods already used, like using video games. One method involved showing the students old style film strips. The teacher, Nancy Kemp, said that the effectiveness of her method was in the newness of the medium. When students have never seen them before, they get interested watching how it works. It’s not an everyday thing because the newness wears off, but they students are like moths to the flame for the few days she does use it. Another interesting method is used by Professor Eric Hudson. He has teaching assistants walk around and observed everyone to make sure there are no cell phones or computers bringing up email, an uncomfortable but effective atmosphere. The article also mentions that high school teachers can take control over student’s computers to record just where students have been online when they have conferences with parents about their student’s grades or behavior. “When Gadgets get In the Way” does not just blame technology as the sole reason for student distractions. Distractions were around long before cellphones and computers invaded the classrooms, and teachers have always had to cope with them. This article relates to Nicholas Carr’s article, “Is Google Making Us Stupid” by not just citing a cause and effect. The widespread use of technology is creating a society where people have short attention spans and are constantly looking for multiple things to do. It also mentions multiple solutions ordinary people have come up with to combat the distractions of everyday life. Technology has made reaching out to people much easier, but reaching in much harder at the same time. People can send mail and messages instantly, but the amount of relatively useless information can flood out important notices at any time. But just like in every era in history, the most successful people are the ones who can reach out in the most creative ways. Don’t just talk about space. Show them interactive images on the Hubble Telescope. Give a self-programmed game that relates to the class and maybe they’ll miss that vibration in their pocket. Technology may have made being distracted a lot easier, but there have never been more tools to combat those distractions either. Put in a little originality and you’ll be rewarded with increased attention to the lectures and less texting under the desk.