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Constant Technology Use May Hamper Kids' Ability To Learn

Posted by timothy on from the tell-me-again-in-30-seconds dept.

hessian writes "Scholars who study the role of media in society say no long-term studies have been done that adequately show how and if student attention span has changed because of the use of digital technology. But there is mounting indirect evidence that constant use of technology can affect behavior, particularly in developing brains, because of heavy stimulation and rapid shifts in attention."

15 of 163 comments (clear)

  1. MIT found something different by hawks5999 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    http://www.technologyreview.com/news/506466/given-tablets-but-no-teachers-ethiopian-children-teach-themselves/

    1. Re:MIT found something different by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      No, it says the same thing.

      Within five days, they were using 47 apps per child, per day

      The study was looking at student attention spans and brain development, not specifically if those changes hamper learning (right from the summary, ignoring the trolling /. headline). Using all those different apps means they're switching attention that much more often and they only have ONE piece of technology. Constant technology use includes being surrounded by TV, ads designed to grab your attention, cell phones with direct connections to constantly changing media feeds (you don't want to miss anything), laptops, tablets, eBook readers, hand held games, warning systems, etc...

      Oh and by running that experiment, MIT is destroying that tribe's culture and they plan to mess with more just to see what happens. Research/Trying to play god like that should be outlawed.

    2. Re:MIT found something different by Riceballsan · · Score: 4, Insightful

      "Oh and by running that experiment, MIT is destroying that tribe's culture and they plan to mess with more just to see what happens. Research/Trying to play god like that should be outlawed."

      Now I'm not an expert on geography, but I'm pretty certain most Ethiopians aren't ileterate due to choice or even religious reasons, it's because Ethiopia is a poor country where success is often just living to 20 without starving to death. As far as I know MIT didn't force the laptops into the villiage, or teach the kids to hide them from their parents (which IMO I still wouldn't oppose, hiding information from children to me for fear of compromised "Culture" or "Religion", is no different than binding a childs legs and throwing him in a wheelchair, which would be considered child abuse in most countries). Were all the scientists of america and europe's past destroying our culture. Did the work of Franklin, Telsa and Eddison ruin the culture of the world by making us more civilized. I mean it could be said that our old culture gathered around fires and candles, and those guys ruined it for us!

  2. behavior, like constantly checking your phone? by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 4, Insightful

    while out?

    seems to be generational but my younger friends (20's) are always checking their phones, even while I'm talking to them at dinner or a social event!

    what the hell. since when was that good manners?

    since never. but few seem to care.

    additionally, look at the younger crowd as they walk on the public streets. if there isn't a pair of white wires coming out of their ears and their stand perma-pointed downward, then they are the odd one out.

    this is directly related to attention span and constantly 'needing' to be connected.

    time will tell, but I don't think this is a foward step.

    --

    --
    "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
    1. Re:behavior, like constantly checking your phone? by noobermin · · Score: 5, Insightful

      How can these kids stand that rock n' roll music? Kids these days.

    2. Re:behavior, like constantly checking your phone? by aurashift · · Score: 3, Insightful

      while out?

      seems to be generational but my younger friends (20's) are always checking their phones, even while I'm talking to them at dinner or a social event!

      what the hell. since when was that good manners?

      since never. but few seem to care.

      I "belong" to this generation. If there isn't a pause in the conversation for them to read some inane text saying "whats up gurlll", or I'm actively talking and they pull out their windows phone (just kidding) I'll snap my fingers to get their attention. If they have the attention span of a three year old and do it again they're wasting my time and I'll leave them to their angry birds.

      If you're a dick I have no problems being a dick right back. They might not like having their faults pointed out and I don't enjoy doing it but some people deserve it every now and then.

  3. So the news is... by Kohath · · Score: 4, Insightful

    there may or may not be a problem. Please update us every hour. Thanks.

  4. Re:Scary. by noobermin · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I was just going to say that. From TFA:

    “What we’re labeling as ‘distraction,’ some see as a failure of adults to see how these kids process information,” Ms. Purcell said. “They’re not saying distraction is good but that the label of ‘distraction’ is a judgment of this generation.”

    also

    The surveys include some findings that appear contradictory. In the Common Sense report, for instance, some teachers said that even as they saw attention spans wane, students were improving in subjects like math, science and reading.

    I don't usually bag on teachers, but may be this is a sign that your methods are becoming--shock--outdated?

  5. Re:paywalled by wrp103 · · Score: 4, Informative

    I found this link with Google: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technology-is-changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html?pagewanted=all

  6. Not so sure by MichaelSmith · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The only time my son seems to focus is when he is in minecraft and that is because he likes minecraft.

    --
    http://michaelsmith.id.au
  7. Bollocks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I use technology the whole time and my attention span is

  8. Re:paywalled by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 4, Funny

    awesome link.

    Don't worry, in ten seconds, you'll click to a link to a completely different topic that will catch your eye and you'll forget this.

    --
    Ezekiel 23:20
  9. Re:Or just actually play with your kids by buddyglass · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Definitely. Also easier said than done.

  10. Or it could be the exact opposite by Brandano · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Other sources seem to show that children exposed to technology might actually end up learning better than otherwise. http://dvice.com/archives/2012/10/ethiopian-kids.php

  11. Constant technology? by fustakrakich · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Or medication? I would blame the drug pushing pharmaceutical companies selling promises that the kid will behave if he just takes a pill...

    --
    “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”