The First of Giant Leaps

Is this the norm now?

 It's funny to think that in only a few years technology has grown to such a staggering size. With the tremendous growth comes the growth of a child's neurological thought process and understanding. Hand a child a cell phone; they will (more than likely) be able to use it effectively the instant it's in their hands, regardless if they have ever used that specific device or model before. Yet give the same cell phone to someone of maybe 40 years or older; they will (more than likely) have a substantially difficult time in maneuvering all the applications and even simple processes of it. Does this mean an infant is smarter than an adult? Absolutely not. The meaning behind this is the integration of the heavy use of technology in our everyday lives. More and more processes are becoming virtual, be it shopping, managing finances, or any other day-to-day task. The importance in understanding technology's affects on human development can lead to greater insight and learning. Yet what better place does one learn than school?

More than ever, students are hooked on cell phones, laptops, or any other kind of device that deters from the old school "textbook" style of learning. Their response to technology is a passionate one that connects them altogether. While most schools see electronics as trouble and offer substantial consequences if any device is possessed, used, or abused, I honestly believe this approach to limiting technology actually causes a hindrance and inconvenience. Students are glued to screens all day, and taking them away from it (although good for their eyes), leads to suppression of a habit that can be used for more integrated learning applications in real life. Sure, you may assume your child + technology = no work and goofing off, but this is not the case. Teaches will not voluntarily hand a student a device they know they will not be used for the right reasons. But allowing them to use a device they are addicted to can easily lead to changes in behavior in its uses. If children are given computers to do assignments of their choice (within limited topics and necessary outcomes), imagine the child's enthusiasm. Instead of dreading an eight page handwritten report to the last minute, the child can look forward to creating a website and adding not only vital information to the project, but also a well designed and easy-on-the-eyes layout with enjoyable additions such as: images, games, videos, and music. It's easier to imagine a child hopping on a laptop and working on his/her website to prove it more interesting than leafing through pages of drafts and documents. 

Not only is technology useful, it's also full of color and variety; this common factor is always overlooked and underestimated in its worth. A teacher can give vocabulary terms for students to write in their notebooks, but how many many of those unmotivated students will open their notebooks again and actually reread and memorize them? But a fun website I found in 8th grade, called free rice, is a great alternative example! It isn't just engaging and amusing; it's also helpful! Students can practice math, SAT/ACT prep, vocabulary, languages, history, geography, and many other subjects, all while helping donate rice to the website's organization for every correct answer. In this, it's true that you will succeed more if you know more. By using technology to open closed doors on a student's mind, it enables not only the student to learn more, but allows both the student and teacher to discover and appreciate all technology has to offer. It's limitless, so take advantage of it!