The dilemma teachers face in the digital age is keeping students' attention. This is causing many teachers to adapt their instruction to become more "entertaining." Some are following the advice of researchers like Kristen Purcell (see below), trying to teach in a different way using technology. Not easily done when students are expected to know certain things on state tests and in preparation for college courses, where professors aren't changing their ways anytime soon.
The following is reprinted from a New York Times article published November 1, 2012, "Technology Changing How
Students Learn, Teachers Say."
"There is a widespread belief among teachers that students’ constant use
of digital technology is hampering their attention spans and ability to
persevere in the face of challenging tasks, according to two surveys of
teachers recently released."
"Scholars who study the role of media in society say no long-term studies
have been done that adequately show how and if student attention span
has changed because of the use of digital technology. But there is
mounting indirect evidence that constant use of technology can affect
behavior, particularly in developing brains, because of heavy
stimulation and rapid shifts in attention."
"Kristen Purcell, the associate director for research at Pew,
acknowledged that the findings could be viewed from another perspective:
that the education system must adjust to better accommodate the way
students learn, a point that some teachers brought up in focus groups
themselves. “What we’re labeling as ‘distraction,’ some see as a failure of adults
to see how these kids process information,” Ms. Purcell said. “They’re
not saying distraction is good but that the label of ‘distraction’ is a
judgment of this generation.”
