In case you missed it, check out the November 1, 2012 New York Times article, Technology Changing How Students Learn, Teachers Say.
Technology reporter Matt Richtel shares information about two recent studies that examine, on the basis of educator surveys, how today’s digital children may be learning differently than in the past. Although individual responses are subjective, the results of the surveys “are considered significant because of the vantage points of teachers who spend hours a day observing students.”
One survey, conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, examined responses from 2,462 teachers. The other, conducted by Common Sense Media, surveyed 685 educators.
It all comes down to attention span. In both surveys, teachers expressed concern that students, used to fast-paced, always changing activities, are less able to focus on an academic task for a prolonged period.
Many teachers feel that they must change the way they teach to ensure that their students concentrate enough to learn. Most teachers seem to feel that children learn differently, however, there are differing opinions about how much technology can be used to address the problem.
Interesting Quote
“Boy, is this a clarion call for a healthy and balanced media diet,” said Jim Steyer, the chief executive of Common Sense Media. He added, “What you have to understand as a parent is that what happens in the home with media consumption can affect academic achievement.”
Media! Tech! Parenting! 