I think this article about how the human brain is adapting to heavy computer use and multitasking is fascinating. A study the article discusses explains that people, especially heavy multitaskers, have a hard time shutting off that function at home, fragmenting their social time with family and friends between email responses, video games and other tech devices. Responding to the immediacy of texts etc. gives our brains a little jolt of endorphins making us happier, and maybe a little addicted to the immediate satisfaction of technology.
I know I am guilty of all of these things described in the article. At work, I start a project, which sparks another thought, and I end up down a rabbit hole and cannot even remember the original task. If technology is like an addiction, do we have a responsibility as teachers to try to instill self-control in children as they use technology? Just like we try to teach drinking in moderation during D.A.R.E lessons? How do we incorporate technology into lessons for children with attention and impulsiveness problems? Maybe time limits for tasks are the way to go for some children, or regular monitoring as they work, as well as clear rules about when it is okay to explore.
nytimes link
No comments:
Post a Comment