Teaching+the+Distracted

Multi-Tasking Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/business/25multi.html?_r=1&ex=1185854400&en=05044388472a8801&ei=5070&oref=slogin

Notes from the session:

Justine recommends NY Times article “slow down brave multitasker and don’t read this in traffic” (see above link)

Went around the room asked: what is your school’s policy on kids using their laptops during class OFF TASK is it a technology issue? Is it a classroom management issue?

B/Carroll e.g. LS tech is taught in a circle with laptop screens facing teacher in chairs that swirl, to talk to teacher, must turn to face teacher (some tips: “sit on hands” "5 mins of free time to start in order to roll and spin”) Another IT person wanted to install mirrors in classrooms for teachers to monitor the screens, has had many requests for screen monitoring software - doesn't want to go there.

How does the paradigm for teaching and learning need to shift to take advantage of this new tool – kids are taking notes on laptops…why? Argued that the laptops should be used for computing/web features.

Reorganize the note taking activity/responsibility: one student take notes, rotate who does the note taking – everyone learns how to take notes. Does note taking need to move from individuals? Do it on the large screen overhead – teacher monitors and responds to how it is going. 3 people who type, 3 people chat with them to help organize ideas, content etc.

Record lectures into First Class software

If something is not working, it’s not because the technology is not working, It’s because the underlying work of the classroom is not working.

Value of using First Class versus google aps discussion - some people like google aps for its "universality" use in business "look and feel" some people are concerned about its security (making things too public, will Google use the information for marketing purposes?)

It was argued that First Class does allow for blogging, web pages, notes, homework, dept chair creates a web space and everyone collaborates etc.

Justine’s school got rid of language lab now use splitters with mics, FC reoording audio files

It was argued that if teachers are doing their jobs right, they will get and hold kids' attention. Technology can help get and hold their attention. Justine recap: 1)	misuse of technology is often a discipline issue that could be handled by deans (if you are off task there will be some consequence) 2)	technology should make you able to listen more and allow you to more easily be part of a discussion while only ONE person is necessary to takes notes 3)	some tools First Class, Google Apps can help focus kids - (create an anonymous bulletin board to get kids to feel comfortable asking a question, anonymously, instead of raising hands). Smart boards can be great tools for guiding focus - best exampls used in LS - they use it more hands on. What role does the Harkness style of teaching/learning have? How does technology fit into it?

__II Multi tasking – are we reprogramming kids brains?__ First must distinguish between doing multiple things versus multi tasking = burning a dvd and typing notes versus driving and texting.

Multi tasking and stress, how are they related? Is stress a necessary fact of life? How much? Some argue it is our responsibility to teach kids to manage the stress related to multi tasking..

Some worry this bombarding of communication is driving people away from their passion.

Should schools block facebook, games etc to help kids spend their school time better? Will they? What is our responsibility in teaching them how to learn best?

Is it our responsibility to “meet them where they are?” If so how best to? Shouldn’t we also lead them to our knowledge base about what we know about growing up and about healthy ways to reach social & intellectual maturity?

It was aked, Is IT the place to push pedagogy in a school?