Journal #1

Professors Adjust Their Methods To Reach Technology-Savvy Generation
by Eleanor Yang-Su

This article from the Union Tribune discusses the difficulty of engaging students without technology, but also losing student interest because of the use of technology in the classroom. The topic is somewhat of a “Catch 22” because professors are finding it nearly impossible to engage their students without pleasing them aesthetically. In a classroom that has over one hundred students, with an extremely large classroom, it would be very difficult to keep them engaged with simply a lecture. Now, many teachers allow their students to use laptops and other devices to take notes. The problem with that is, many students use their computers for uses other than note taking and class purposes. Many people use them for checking e-mail, chatting, playing games, watching movies, etc. A couple of questions to ponder:

1. How can teachers use technology to effectively engage students?
It’s difficult to say if anything can engage students. People already have a short attention span. Using technology could do one of two things: Engage them, or distract them. Maybe, a teacher could use different technology and softwares during class, and let students have access to these programs/technology outside of the classroom. But, during classtime, personal devices may not be allowed. This may seem like a harsh approach, but in order for most students to pay attention, we cannot hand them the distraction. Teachers should find a way to use technology effectively and purposefully.

2. What are some advantages to new and upcoming technology?
I think a major advantage to new technology is the ability to keep students interested in learning, in fun ways. Another advantage is keeping faculty up on new programs and software so that they can show their students exciting ways to learn about the material being presented.

Technology doesn’t have to be such a bad thing in colleges. Teachers just need to find loopholes to make it fun, attractive, and not distracting.