Today we live in a world where cell phones, ipods, computers and televisions seem to take over every aspect of our lives. I think it's safe to say that nearly every student uses one or more of these technologies throughout the day, and many of us combine the use of these items with homework. It is not uncommon to be listening to music while reading or to be logged onto facebook when writing a paper.
I'm sure many of us have been nagged by our parents to turn off the television or put down the phone when doing homework, but do these "distractions" actually distract us from our work? An
article in the New York Times refutes the commonly held belief that new technology is detrimental to a students learning. The doctors, and students, in this article believe that technology is such a natural part of the world to day that it is impossible to avoid it, even during study time. Cell phone, computer and television usage has become a natural part of the studying process for students.
What unnecessary forms of technology do you use when you study? Is it possible for students to work without these distractions or is technology so embedded into society that it simply cannot be avoided? How do you think future students will work?
I just heard someone talk about a similar topic in one of my classes, referring to a scientific study. Apparently, for the most part our brains can focus on doing work despite distractions like tv, music, and internet, unless there is audio that is at high enough decibels that hurts our hearing. And the human brain only can focus explicitly on one thing for about 10-15 minutes before needing a breath of air, so perhaps our distractions aren't as focus-inhibiting as we think.
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