Interactive Learning Fails Reading Test

motivator_bob writes to tell us the Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that the latest craze of interactive computer software is actually hurting the education level rather than helping it. From the article: "Parents have also bought into the enthusiasm for technology, spending millions on educational computer games for their young. However, research published in the journal Education 3 to 13 has found that pupils who use interactive programs cannot remember stories they have just read because they are distracted by cartoons and sound effects."

Comments

It'll work itself out

[B3ryllium]

Issues like this will be resolved over time as the human mind adapts to constant distractions - already, we do more with our minds on a daily basis than humans of only a half-century ago. In the future I'm sure our children will be able to learn calculus while playing video games, chatting on their mobile communicators, and picking out their wardrobe for the following week.

Either that or the earth will drop to drastically lower free-floating oxygen levels and our brains will be so starved for precious O2 that we'll barely be able to string together four words ... me tarzan, you jane ...

Re:It'll work itself out

[ResidntGeek]

No, let's call the number of intelligent people c. c was a larger percentage of the population 250 years ago than it is now. I originally disagreed with the GP, but your post is making me wonder. Did you honestly not understand? That was a feeble joke, right?

Re:It'll work itself out

[ResidntGeek]

You're confusing ignorance and stupidity.

Re:It'll work itself out

[ResidntGeek]

I've always viewed intelligence as being inborn, and knowledge as being gained in life. I may be wrong, but some of the people I know would surprise me greatly if they could understand any remotely complex concept, regardless of how long they were coached.