Neuroscience
A big topic of discussion at every teaching conference is the role of technology in our classrooms. While some have found remarkably innovative ways to use student's personal devices to advance engagement and learning, other ban them outright from the classroom.
Much of this boils down to making responsible choices, but many of us can relate to how irresistible they can be. Facebook, instant messaging, games, and even live video chatting (yes, some do this in class) certainly:
Drs. Ryan Curtis and Scott Roberts recently presented some data they've gathered from teaching demonstrations and learning assessments at the 2013 Lilly East Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning.
What do students think? I surveyed my class to find out:
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Neuroscience
Are phones and computers just too distracting?
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| CC Photo Credit: http://goo.gl/xSR9s |
Much of this boils down to making responsible choices, but many of us can relate to how irresistible they can be. Facebook, instant messaging, games, and even live video chatting (yes, some do this in class) certainly:
- Detract from the cognitive resources required to actively listen
- Limit visual attention to whatever is happening within the room
- Interfere with active participation in the meeting
- Present unwanted distractions to neighboring students
Drs. Ryan Curtis and Scott Roberts recently presented some data they've gathered from teaching demonstrations and learning assessments at the 2013 Lilly East Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning.
Regardless of your personal policy, we as educators can make this discussion part of our first meeting with students so that they, at the very least, can make an informed decision. Here are some links that can help you have a conversation with students:
- It should not be at all surprising that device use can detract from active learning... we can't even walk and text at the same time (a fun video to kick off the discussion with): https://youtu.be/wl0JojWH1rQ
- A short video that reviews some of the research of distraction in classrooms: https://youtu.be/WwPaw3Fx5Hk
What do students think? I surveyed my class to find out:
So what is your personal policy on devices in the classroom?
- Desirable Difficulties
I'm not teaching this semester, so what am I doing? Thinking about teaching. Saw a great lecture last week by cognitive psychologist Robert Bjork (article from UConn Advance) of UCLA. His talk was called "How We Learn vs. How We Think We Learn" (pdf...
- Exceptional Learning Experience Student Essay Contest! Now More Chances To Win Through Psychology! Deadline For All Entries Is March 1st!
Academy for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Student Essay ContestDeadline: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Now there are more chances to win! Psychology Dept: Two Monetary Awards for Top Two Essays & Pizza Dinner for Top Five EssaysIf your essay...
- Develop Your Leadership Skills While Earning Internship Credit Through The Work4change Program!
Work4Change Program Office of Leadership and Community Service Learning University of Maryland Contacts: Deborah Slosberg [email protected] and Daniel Ostick [email protected] Work4Change Program Description: Well-designed internship and leadership...
- End Classroom Distractions. Join F.o.c.c.u.s. Today!
F.O.C.C.U.S, a new organization on campus, wants your help ending in-class distractions. Make the pledge to close your laptops an put away your cell phones in class. 'Like' the Facebook page on www.facebook.com/unplugandfoccus. Check out our...
- Bridging Academic & Professional Development: A Pilot Collaboration
Please join us at the Innovations in Teaching & Learning Conference on Friday April 27th when we present the results of a pilot program to integrate academic and career development in introductory courses. This innovative approach demonstrates the...