Journal #9: Taming the Chaos (NETS-T-2)

Johnson , D. (2010). Learning & leading with technology. Taming the Chaos, Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201011?pg=22&search_term=taming%20the%20chaos&search_term=taming%20the%20chaos#pg22 

Summary: 
Basically this article discusses how to manage technology distractions in the classroom. They offered different ways of fixing this issues. First, to ban it, but also it can be that it becomes less effective as a growing number of educators and parents and students see the educational value of devices such as cell phones, etc. Second, do business as usual, as the article says,  so therefore basically we should not ignore the students who are being distracted because it would not be engaging them into the classroom as it is a teachers job to do so. Thirdly, Limit the use of technologies, so therefore the article states to set reasonable rules. One good example I found by the author, was to put the students to listen to music whiled they are not working on anything, instead of them being distracted by conversations to text messages.  Fourthly, Enhance traditional practices. Lastly use the technology to restructure the educational process, so for example encourage inquiry based problem solving, and other things like interaction with students from other countries and cultures.

Question #1:  What does the author mean by enhance traditional practices and how would this help manage technology distractions in the classroom? 

Answer: I believe the author means by enhance traditional practices that things such as lectures for example could be posted online where students can access it through their phone or computer, so therefore using technology in a educational way. Also instead of assigning textbook readings in the book, perhaps online would be a good idea to enhance traditional practices into technology. Therefore I believe that it will help manage distractions (technology) in the classroom by providing the students with other ways of using their phones or computers, instead of their own personal way. Therefore although they may be on the computer or on their cell phone they would be using it in an educational way and therefore it would be a educational distraction, and therefore a better distraction than using the devices for personal use at the time of class.

Question #2: What do you believe would eliminate all distractions ?

Answer: I don't believe there would be any type of thing that would eliminate all distractions because as we have seen in the past, doodling on paper, and looking out the classroom window have been distractions way before the devices used now, so technology is not the issue, so its more of how you manage your classroom, setting rules and watching students making sure they don't zone out too much. Just pretty much being aware of who's paying attention and who's not, and trying to offer the students with distractions of technology ways to use the device with an educational purpose.