Empty seats that are reserved for those students whom have paid, laptops bought for school, yet used for commenting pictures for last nights’ party during class instead, and assignments that many students just blow off or simply and illegally copy and paste. This was an eye opener in one way and old news in another. I am aware of all these incidents that happen each and everyday, for I see it with my own eyes in each of my six classes here at Montclair State University. The opening quote from Marshall McLuhan, “Today’s child is bewildered when he enters the 19th century environment that still characterizes the educational establishment where information is scarce but ordered and structured by fragmented, classified patterns subjects, and schedules.” Sound like what you experienced in your first day of college? I know I did, and this was said in 1967, forty years ago…guess not much has changed, but technology has.
One thing that is starting to be discussed is how students are consumed with technology. The new iPod, iPhone, laptop, or smartphone seems to be in every teenagers’ hand while walking to class or even in the nearest mall. Can Technology be introduced into the classroom to help capture student’s attention such as mine? I believe so, but it needs to be done intelligently and closely monitored.
I was sort of shocked watching this You Tube short video. I was like, “Wow, this is what students are doing…while they waste their parent’s money on education. Instead of listening and taking notes, they go on Facebook or Myspace. Money going to their kids surfing the web instead of education? How wasteful!” Then I realized, every one of my classes I see multiple students do the same exact thing! Something I find repulsive due to the fact that I want to do well and take class very seriously. My parents spend a lot of money in order for me to be here and I am grateful for that. No loans to pay back, just a clean slate when I graduate. How amazing is that.
This video makes me know that I am doing the right thing. I refuse to be sucked into the idiotic way some students think. I know I will come out on top and know what is due the next class. I know I am privileged to be here, in college, and that it’s not a right.
But I do feel for those students who are lost in this technological state we are in at the moment, “technology can save us.” It can enhance our classes and spruce lessons up, keeping those eyes off the web and back on the blackboard.
