The use of technology in the classroom has been debated for years! Is it further distracting the learners? Does it help certain types of learners perform better? This article by Flanigan and Kiewra (2017) describes how to handle those downfalls of technology in the classroom. I’m sure you all have witnessed a student in your classroom either using their cell phone and/or laptop inappropriately. This happens all of the time! Not only are those students decreasing their learning time, they are also impacting the learning of others around them. Flanigan and Kiewra call this type of inappropriate behavior “cyber-slacking.” The key difference between having technology as a distraction rather than doodling and/or having a side-conversation is addiction. The constant need to check your cellphone is far worse than the occasional doodle due to boredom. In this article, we are offered eight ways in which we (as educators) might put an end to this cyber-slacking.
- Embrace your role as the Instructor! You make the rules.
- Make your students aware of this problem! Share research that shows just how negative this type of behavior can be.
- Implement a strict “No Cellphone” Policy! Reject the myth that technology isn’t “that bad”.
- Form incentives for those students who actively listen! It can be simple, but it shows positive reinforcement.
- Incorporate active learning experiences! Give students work that will force them to talk with one another.
- Use mobile technology as a tool in your classroom! There are many apps that enhance learning; take quizzes per Kahoot.
- Be sure that you, collectively with your students, are setting goals! Encourage students to reach these time-bound goals.
- Motivate your students! Enable them to participate in activities that they personally enjoy.