Rethinking My Cell Phone/Computer Policy by John Warner explores the notion of cell phones and other technologies in the classroom. The use of technology in the modern classroom ahs increased significantly over the past decade, and although it can be a tool others see it as a major distraction. Many educators struggle with figuring out how to balance the benefits of technology with the disadvantages of its distractions. The author reflects on a policy he once had which banned cellphones and computers, this policy was in place because he was worried about students’ engagement and participation. But many questioned the “ban” approach with many questions regarding, freedom, and responsibility and the modern-day classroom.
One aspect of the ban that Warner mentioned was that he was banning devices for students’ own good. He mentioned students would often be distracted and it could lead to distracting the professor as well. Warner used research to back the idea that multi-tasking is ineffective, so allowing devices in the classroom could lead to diminished attention during class time. Although Waner had these concerns he thought about the policy and how it might be affecting the students’ freedom. Waner thought about the ban policy and considered having students be a part of the policy making and choice about device usage. By allowing students to be a part of the policy making it will allow students to feel responsible and possibly allow them to take the policy more seriously. This collaborative approach reminded me of our class where we were a part of the policy making process, it allowed us to be involved in and we felt a sense of independence and responsibility. That empowerment we felt while creating our policies is one of the reasons why we didn’t have any conflict in our class. Everyone knew and agreed upon what was expected. In a nutshell, a balanced approach where students and professors work collaboratively to set rules and classroom policies is one of the best approaches to ensure that technology in the classroom is being used effectively.
“The Effects of Chronic Multitasking on Analytical Writing”, by Danielle Lottridge et al talks about the slippery slope of multi-tasking. Growing up I was a big multi-tasker I found that was a great way to get things done quickly. I wasn’t worried about how they got done, just that they were finished. As I reached adulthood, I quickly realized that I was setting up bad habits in the youth, which would prove harder to break as an adult. Multi-tasking was such a big factor when I was growing up. It seemed as if you didn’t know how to multi-task, you weren’t resourceful. I don’t know who created this narrative and brainwashed us all into thinking this way, but I would like to meet them at the park after school. Chronic multi-tasking can lead to distractions when directly affects the outcome of what you are working on.
Analytical writing requires critical thinking and if a writer is engaged in chronic multitasking it would prove to be difficult to focus on writing and staying on topic. Good analytical writing is based on structure and organization, if a writer is multi-tasking the may experience challenges in the flow of the paper. Another aspect of multi-tasking that could adversely affect analytical writing is time management. Engaging in multiple tasks can make you run out of time and greatly affect the analytical writing process, especially in the revision process. Chronic multitasking adversely affects analytical writing because it affects your ability to think critically and leads to poor results due to lack of organizational skills.
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