Quote 1: A Major Theme – “The more powerful the goals we establish for ourselves, and the more we feel ownership over those goals, the more we are able to pursue them in the face of both internal and external distractions.”

This quote really captures the main theme for the week because it speaks on how to pursue goals in spite of distractions. There are distractions around us daily, where ever we go. I’ve gotten distracted many times while writing this blog post. I have been using technology in the classroom since middle school, when I got my first Chromebook. Yes, everyone was playing CoolMath games when we should have been working on our assignments. Yet, it never stopped me from completing them on time and correctly. This quote is referring to how when we establish strong goals, we feel more obligated to finish them even with internal and external distractions. Technology in the classroom can be harmful, but it is the individuals responsibility wether it will be helpful or harmful.

James M. Lang, “The Distracted Classroom,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 13, 2017, http://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Distracted-Classroom/239446

Quote 2: A Question – “Why can’t she focus in class?”

I choose this quote because it is a question I’ve caught myself asking a lot this semester during my internship. Why can’t some students not focus in class? My school has a policy where cellphones are not allowed at all during school hours. As in, if a teacher sees it, it is confiscated. Students are not even using cellphones during class and are still distracted mostly by their peers looking for attention. My question is how can cellphones be used in class to help distracted students, rather than cause distraction?

James M. Lang, “The Distracted Classroom,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 13, 2017, http://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Distracted-Classroom/239446

Quote 3: A Point Worth Exploring – “By having a classroom policy that permits students to have and use their cellphones in a responsible manner with consequences for breaking my rules, I’m teaching more than just English.  I’m teaching responsibility.”

I choose this quote as something to explore further because the author makes a good point here. Shes saying by allowing students to use their cellphones as tools for learning, that have consequences if not followed, she is utilizing all options available to her as a teacher. Teachers and schools struggle daily to supply new material and equipment because they are underfunded. The article says that districts and schools ban the use of cellphones because they are distracting. If students have the cellphones, they should be utilized to the full extent like this article suggests.

Rob Sterner, “4 Things You’ll Miss by Banning Cellphones in Your Classroom,” @ CTQ – Teachingquality.org (February 24, 2015). https://www.teachingquality.org/4-things-youll-miss-by-banning-cellphones-in-your-classroom