For those of you who work in computer labs with internet access, you may notice the phenomena of students using class time to surf the web for items of personal interest or games (linerider and solitare are both popular). This can be pretty annoying if they don't seem to be getting work done.
If digital natives are multitaskers who do many things at the same time, maybe some learning is still taking place even though they don't appear to be paying attention. When I was in High School, I was always drawing during math class. It helped me think. In the middle of a particularily elaborate design, the teacher would try to ambush my artistic endeavors by asking me a question about some pesky algebraeic formula thinking he'd stump me. I always had the answer.
In my project, I'm finding that kids who play online music or surfing while we discuss the web project are still tuned in and seem more relaxed about contributing. I found it to be true in my observation as well,for example: A student visiting a guitar site was simultaneously getting some interesting writing done on a project about urban legends.
Maybe I need to learn to relax a little and let them doodle.
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2 comments:
You bring up a good point, Tamara. What looks like "goofing off" to teacher may not be. I think this applies to teaching in a broader way, as well. If we really believe what we are taught (and what we know from our own experiences as learners) we should always be mindful and respectful that students learn in different ways.
Tamara, what an important insight to share at this point in the semester when we'd probably all rather be doodling than reflecting!! I think often about what I was doing on those Sun. nights before internet access, blogging, email, etc. I lived a very different life. There were fewer distractions; I read more books. I remember a life--well--before. Your post got me thinking about it again. I don't know what I think--about this phenomenom--but I do continue to reflect on how I am spending my time and why.
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