This is an age-old question.
We have had our program a little longer than you, and in that time have
observed much of the same thing. It is also, quite frankly, something
we hear from faculty as well.
The fact of the matter is though that this behavior seems mostly among
the freshman students, that are blown away by all the cool things that
they can do with their new laptop, and as they begin to get more and
more used to it as a tool, like their notebook or pen, we see them using
it more constructively much more frequently than simply as a toy.
The best thing though is that our teachers are using those applications
that the students find interesting and intriguing in their classrooms as
teaching tools. Teachers have real-time chat discussions. Class
projects involve students creating a YouTube video, creating Podcasts,
both audio and video, etc. The laptop allows this kind of innovative
teaching and learning using the things that engage the students.
There is also a time that it is appropriate to ask the students to close
their laptops and just pay attention.
There was an article posted on eSchoolNews last week titled, Banning
School Technology: A Bad Idea? In it they discuss 3 possible reactions
to widespread use of technology. The third one, called "The Jungle"
wholly embraces new technologies. It is as the author states, " not
always safe or "pretty", but it is rich in variation and many new
opportunities can be created".
So we tell the parents, as nicely as we can, to stop worrying. It is
better for the students to get this out of their systems earlier, and
get used to using the technology productively.
I know these kids can multi-task better than I can (although not as well
as they think they can), and I'm always amazed that those few teachers
that complain the most about students being off task, are the very
teachers that are checking e-mail and surfing the web during a faculty
meeting.
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for independent school educators
[mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Jason Hyams
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 10:03 AM
To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Student Time Management
Has anyone prepared a student time management handout for 1:1 parents?
=20
We have a few parents complaining about the lack of focus their daughter
has had since receiving the student notebook. =20
They state that their daughters spend too much time playing games,
watching movies and chatting while their grades slide.
=20
I would like to avoid recommending content or time restrictions to the
parents. What do you recommend to your parents?
=20
=20
Thank you, =20
=20
Jason Hyams
Director of Technology =20
St. Agnes Academy
=20
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