This article is fluff. All this comes down to is one thing: change. Sure, as a professor if you simply permit the use of smart phones, randomly, within your classes, students will be distracted. If you, instead, change your learning activities to reflect an appropriate educational use of the most powerful device everyone mass produced and put into human hands, you will notice students will have a better "time on task" and will not be distracted by the shiny phone in their hand. The post mentions one professor who says students use their phones for fact checking on the spot. Great. But that is very random use when necessary. How about using the technology (phones and tablets for that matter) for interviews (both audio or video), professional social media connections, creating content, etc.
"Dalakas concedes that there are benefits of using the technology but he is skeptical of the advantages in the academic arena. "My guess is a professor would have to be very creative in a way that integrates the technology in the classroom.""
Yeah, exactly. You can't simply add tech on top of already bad lectures, activities, etc. and expect something magical to happen. You need to fundamentally change the way you were doing it to account for what is possible now. Did Professor Dalakas tried to be "creative" and come up with a new way to teach and have his students learn? Or did he simply state, hey students, you can now use your phones in my class.
Brianof NY4:03PM October 16, 2012
Not only are smart phones great study tools, but as mentioned in the article, are greatly beneficial to the classroom. A major problem that professors deal with is that their students are not invloved. We can not retain information we are not listening to. As adults we should be able to focus on the expensive educations we are afforded; however as we all know the technology is too fascinating to ignore. By incorporating smart phone technology in the classroom, both the professors and students will be able to excersize their knowledge of specific issues. This technology is opening avenues for a more open and collaborative class environment.
Ashleyof TX4:13PM March 22, 2012
I personally feel that pathologizing anxiety that comes from being without your cell phone is missing the underlying concerns of these individuals. While I do not doubt that anxiety, and at times fear, can result from loss or being removed from your smartphone, it seems to be misdirection to call this a phobia. Smartphones serve multiple functions that allow us to be organized, stay informed, maintain connection with others, and even relax with mindless games. These are all important features that as therapists we encourage for our clients: organization, interpersonal relationships, and self-care. Perhaps the reasons behind the person’s anxiety with phone loss should be looked at more closely to understand the reason for the fear and anxiety. For an individual who needs help with staying organized and being reminded of daily tasks, the smartphone can be a source of support. Students often use their phones to remind them of upcoming deadlines and assignments/tests for classes. Therefore the loss of their smartphone could mean missed assignments, meetings, etc. that could negatively impact their academic performance. We should also consider the student who needs social support and connection – particularly those students who are away from home for the first time and need to remain connected to their friends and family at home during their adjustment to a new life. For these individuals a smartphone, capable of not only calling, texting and email, but also live video chat, can be a lifeline. Also, as silly as it may sound, mindless games offer individuals an escape to relax their minds from the daily toils, and may be used as a source of stress relief. What all these things have in mind is the features offered by smartphones in many ways serve as coping mechanisms to help individuals live effectively in this fast paced, unforgiving life. So again, perhaps we should think about why smartphones are so important to these individuals before removing them or pathologizing the reaction to their loss.
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Brian of NY 4:03PM October 16, 2012
Ashley of TX 4:13PM March 22, 2012
Lindsey of IL 11:08PM March 21, 2012