Are You Distracted?
By Rachel Irving-Mann
 |
(left to right) Victoria and Nila Richards |
 |
 |
| David Carraway |
Darius Carraway |
“Homework comes first, then when I have time, I go to Facebook.”
— Darius Carraway, Columbus Tech Corps NSBE Jr.
Today’s “M² generation” — people now between ages eight and 18 — is growing up wired, constantly connected and increasingly vulnerable to digital distractions. This passage from a recent article in The New York Times sums up the fears of many parents today: “…Computers and cellphones, and the constant stream of stimuli they offer, pose a profound new challenge to focusing and learning.” (“Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction,” Nov. 21, 2010)
But young people are not learning to multitask on their own. This habit is being taught inside and outside of the classroom. Schools are adopting arsenals of interactive whiteboards, online blackboards, websites and other high-tech equipment to teach their students. Technology and education are now joined tightly together.
Victoria and Nila Richards, members of the Columbus Tech Corps NSBE Jr. Chapter in Columbus, Ohio, know what it means to multitask.
“I text my friends while I am on Facebook. Whoever is not on Facebook, I’m texting,” says Victoria, 17. Nila, 15, does not have a cell phone, but she is just as connected as her sister through online social sites.
But when it comes to homework, the sisters have a different routine. Social websites are closed, and cell phones are put away. Having all of the high-tech distractions forced them to make serious decisions about their technology habits.
“It does have an effect when I let it get out of control,” says Victoria. “Facebook is addicting. Two hours have passed by because I’m looking at pictures.”
NSBE Jr. members David and Darius Carraway, of Independence High School in Columbus, Ohio, had to make the same hard choices.
“Homework comes first, then when I have time, I go to Facebook,” says Darius, 15. “You have to be mentally determined to get what you want.”
But creating a good balance between technology and academics is not always about decreasing the use of technology. Sometimes it is a matter of working smarter, not harder.
David, 17, says technology improved his grades by giving him easier access to information. Websites such as Studyblue.com are becoming staples for students. They provide resources to create online note cards that can be organized and cued to quiz students while they study.
“If I have a vocabulary quiz, I’m going on that site,” says Darius.
For her Spanish homework, Victoria uses an online Spanish dictionary to help her study.
“You have to know how to manage your time with technology,” she says.
More and more students are recognizing the need to balance their digital diets. But the responsibility is not theirs alone. As Darius says, “Mom’s always there too,” implying that a nice dose of parental supervision is always appropriate to keep the digital urges at bay.
Rachel Irving-Mann is a writer based in Maryland.
Subscribe to NSBE Bridge by sending $5 for a one-year subscription to NSBE Circulation, 205 Daingerfield Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314.