Journal 1

Finding New Ways to Connect
By: Eleanor Yang Su

Teachers today face a new challenge of teaching "Generation Y". Students in college now have an enormous amount of technology savvy, many times surpassing the teachers. Many teachers struggle with how they are going to be able to reach out to these students and keep them engaged in a classroom. One of the listed concerns is the constant multi-tasking of college students. One example was Bioengineering major, Chris Letrong. He often instant messages during class, when the teacher has paused to ask questions, and while studying will text message and instant message his many friends. This multi-tasking is his way to stay in touch with people while still getting his work done. A cognitive neuroscientist, Jordan Grafman, states that multi-tasking can actually make getting small tasks done harder and a longer process. One of the ways teachers are trying to keep students interested in their class is to use technology. Class websites and posting the power point presentations or study notes ahead of time for students. The fear is that college professors may be so worried about keeping students interested that they may be getting kids to come to class, but not really teaching them or getting them to remember the information discussed. Several colleges are trying to incorporate more technology and have even asked students for help with this. "They don't see it as technology, they think of it as something to help get the job done."

Question?
How as a teacher do you include technology in your class without it becoming the only focus?
Answer
Technology should be used as support to help students gather information, organize data, make projects more interesting, but the information still needs to be distributed. Make a plan of what you want the students to learn and use technology to help you achieve that not take over.

Question?
What will this next upcoming generation be like with technology if their parents are already very savvy?
Answer
I am not sure anyone knows the real answer to that, but I know I am preparing myself to be one step ahead. Right now I am still battling my six year old for most technologically savvy in the house!