“What goal had I established for Kate’s learning that day? How had I created an environment that supported her ability to achieve that goal? And perhaps most important — assuming that the class had a learning goal that mattered for her — did she know about it?” The Distracted Classroom by James M. Lang
This quote really got me thinking because it turns the responsibility of distraction to the instructor rather than blaming the student. It looks at students learning from a more learner based approach. I think where a lot of classes lack is learner centered. In most college classes you are lectured at, expected to take notes, and then expected to regurgitate it on a test or paper. For me personally this causes a lot of disinterest in classes. I think collaborative classes are more engaging and make me feel like I am actually taking something away. It also places my education into my hands and requires me to hold myself accountable. Which I feel like could translate to other students. If an instructor is able to engage them then they take the learning into their control.
Another big thing that I took away from this is that cell phones and technology is not the root of the problem. I think that technology can be a manifestation of the problem, but it isn’t the problem as a whole. I think that if instructor took more time to get to know students and their learning types that so many more people would participate and be engaged. I also think cell phones and technology can be used to enhance a class. I remember in high school I had teachers that would have the activity include technologies. A lot of bell ringers would be to take out your phone or computer and do something like post on a padlet or things like that. I think by integrating the technology you can create less of a “want” to be on it. By using it as a tool rather than looking at it as this terrible thing students won’t be as inclined to want to use it, when they are not supposed to.
