Blog 8: Digital Distractions: How Instructional Technology Can Help
- Digital Distractions: How Instructional Technology Can Help
Article By: Clark Thomas
It's no surprise that technology provides an outlet for endless distractions. Just in the last few months of teaching, I would find students playing games and chatting with each other on their Chromebooks. According to Thomas (2018), a recent study claimed that teachers are liable to ensure that technology in the classroom is being used for purposes related to study only. As technology is becoming more relevant in classrooms and classroom sizes are becoming larger, monitoring 25+ students Chromebooks at once can be difficult. The author discusses 4 strategies, with the help of instructional technology, to avoid these digital distractions.
1. Digital Note Taking: It is difficult to pay attention to more than one thing, especially when note taking or listening to instructions. It is likely that something will be missed. Tip: Install Distraction Free Mode for Google Docs to reduce distractions.
2. Device contracts, screen locks, and monitoring: By putting some clear rules in writing, and having students sign them, can work to empower them to stay focused when they are using devices. Software programs like Xnspy allows teachers to lock the screen of their students.
3. Encourage compartmentalization of time: You can use the Pomodoro method of working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5 minute break to maximize personal productivity.
4. Adopt blended classroom model: There are many blended classroom models that mix technology and non-technology activities. Here are a list of some:
- Station Rotation
- Lab Rotation
- Individual Rotation
- Flipped Classroom
- Flex
- A La Carte
- Enriched Virtual
- Project-based blended learning
- Self-directed blended model
- Inside-out learning
- Outside-in blended learning
When reading through this article, I had many moments where I thought the information was helpful, and a couple times where I completely disagreed with the author. I am going to start with reasons why I disagree with some of the article. I find that when students are engaged, they are not distracted. I think that's pretty clear. Encouraging students to take more notes isn't the route that I am looking to take in my own classroom. In fact, I'm not sure that just overloading them with note taking would actually solve the issue of distractions in the classroom. Secondly, I strongly disagree with the idea of locking their screens. I don't find this to be any way of them regulating their own learning, in fact, I find that it displays a sense of control. The goal is for the students to be engaged and not distracted on their own, not because I'm locking their screen. Although, there are times when a locked screen feature would be beneficial, for example, throughout an assessment of some sort. However, I do not believe that locking their screens will benefit the student in the future at all.
Now, the second two points of the article are great suggestions. Brain breaks are becoming more and more common within the classroom. This is the first that I am learning about the Pomodoro method of working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. I think this is a fantastic idea. It could motivate the students to put their best effort into those 25 minutes. Furthermore, it seems as though all of the resources that I have read in the past regarding how technology is helping our students involves some sort of blended learning. There was never a time when the article focused on 100% technology implementation in the classroom. I think that when students use the Chromebooks for a purpose, rather than just having them for the entire day, they will be more productive throughout their tasks. Some of these blended learning strategies I have not heard of before, so I look forward to doing some research on them.
I'm curious to know what you think about these 4 strategies to avoid digital distraction.
Resource
https://www.emergingedtech.com/2019/10/digital-distractions-in-classroom-ways-instructional-technology-can-help/
Hi Giulia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog post! I agree with you that I am against locking the screens of my students. I regularly say to my students that respect is a two way street, so if I am locking their screens, then I am not showing respect to them. To be honest, I think that locking their screens would cause more distractions for my students away from the screen.
I like the part of the article that suggests the various strategies for instruction that you could use! It appears that most of these suggestions would have students moving while using technology. My students usually love when activities involve some sort of movement (i.e., stations around the classroom).
Thanks for the interesting read,
Megan
Guilia, what a great post! I think that note taking is specific to different students. I for one am someone who loves taking notes because I forget fast and like to refer back. Maybe allowing students to record the lesson either on video or audio would be beneficial? I also had a teacher who asked students taking notes on a computer to sit in the front of the class but off to the side so that they weren’t too much of a distraction but they could see if they were distracted on other websites by eye contact, aha. I also agree that locking students’ screens would not benefit them. I believe that that would just distract them further since they would probably just try to unlock their screen again after a few minutes anyways.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t realize the Pomodoro method had a name but I actually implement practice personally when I am completing coursework or even house chores, aha. Brain breaks allow us to take a step back from frustrating things and self-regulate. They are also perfect to include movement which can be difficult when working behind a desk. I appreciate how the article includes blended learning applications! I will have to try some of these in my own practice. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Giulia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post and thoughts about the article on ways to limit digital distractions in the classroom. This is definitely a difficult thing for teachers to manage with their students, as adults can struggle from getting distracted by technology as well.
I am in agreement with you in terms of locking screens. I believe students value classroom environments in which they feel trusted and a sense of responsibility. Locking their screens completely takes this away from them. I think the note option could be perhaps be applicable in a secondary school environment, but as a primary teacher it wouldn't really be a priority for me either.
Brain breaks are a great strategy to utilize. I've implemented this in the past with Grade 7 students and I found it kept them more focused and on task during our designated work times.
Keep up the great work,
- Jordan
Hi Giulia.
ReplyDeleteI like your version of the article! How does it help develop self-regulation if we control everything for students? What happens when they don't have an adult looking over their shoulder? I believe sending a message of trust to students is critical. Regarding rules, how about students help create them and then agree to them, rather than them coming from the teacher?
I think opportunities for movement are essential as well! I liked your point about having a clear purpose for using the Chromebook!
Excellent analysis of the article! Cheryl
Hi Giulia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on digital distractions- it's definitely something most of us who use technology in the classroom has experienced. I really believe in the "brain break" approach when using technology in the classroom. Like most tasks at school, I find when students have a certain amount of time to get it done, it focuses them. I certainly allow for extra time if students need it, but I do believe giving clear parameters with time has students start the task more quickly, and stay on task.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Guilia,
ReplyDeleteI found your post both important and insightful. It can be a difficult task to avoid distractions when teaching via technology. I have found that avoiding such distractions differs from student to student. Some students seem to be able to focus on any task given to them, while others seem to consistently search out distraction when using technology. I thought all four recommendations from the article would be effective to a certain extent. In terms of monitoring student progress I have found that Google classroom is an excellent tool to both monitor progress and provide meaningful feedback to students. I agree with your point about locking screens being ineffective. I also believe that the best method for avoiding distraction is through engagement of students. I find that when students are excited about projects when using technology that they are less easily distracted. Creating this level on a consistent basis is such an effective method to avoid distractions. Great work again on the blog.
Jonny