Technology has influenced the world in many ways, including enhancements in education. Approximately six years ago, St. Dominic High School began using iPads to improve education and student organization, but they seem to distract students from doing their work. The use of Apple Classroom, detentions, and app blockage have been implemented at St. Dominic to help deter the interference of iPad misuse. However, these solutions often fail to do so. iPads can be a distraction in the classroom, but engaging students in paper and hands-on activities can best resolve this issue.
The iPad was released in early 2010 as a hands-on device for reading, music, photos, and recreation. iPads also administer educational resources such as creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. The use of a touch screen eases the control and overall use of iPads. Schools soon began using them as learning tools as they proved to be a productive source of learning and organization. However, with many new opportunities come just as many consequences.
Students at St. Dominic have started using iPads not only for education, but recreation as well. They engage themselves in distracting games and social networking apps, rather than productive apps such as Google Classroom, Notability, Google Docs, and many others.
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Because students may have a short attention span, feel bored or tired, class may be too long, or are purely tempted, they may try to keep themselves entertained through various distracting approaches. In order for students at St. Dominic to stay more engaged, teachers use Apple classroom to monitor their activity.
Students are informed of the consequences if they misuse the privilege of iPads in a resourceful way. Although it can monitor student activity, Apple Classroom does not prove to be an effective solution, as many students still misuse iPads in class with no penalty. Apple Classroom has also been seen to glitch. An alternative solution would be to block certain apps on iPads, or only allow ones involving education. If iPads are set to do this, students are unable to purchase distracting apps. However, restricting students only allows them to find more ways to circumvent those restrictions.
Before iPads were released, schools used a pen and paper for written activities and assignments. Homework on iPads can help with at-home organization, but in-class discussions, hands-on activities, and the use of some paper may lessen student distractions involving iPads. St. Dominic avoids using paper when truthfully a good balance with paper and screen time may be beneficial. Not only do iPads causes distraction, but research has shown excessive screen time can cause straining and discomfort with the eyes and headaches.
Some may argue that iPads are used to help organize students and make things easier. They might argue that paper use causes disorganization and loss of assignments. Some say just to block the apps, but truthfully this will do no good. Students still find ways to misuse them.
Before the iPad came out, students wrote everything down on paper. Using iPads for research and home assignments can be a great, reliable resource, but too much technology can affect how we learn and process information. Technology has advanced in many ways providing better opportunities, but also has many disadvantages. When balancing paper and technology, students are not straining their eyes looking at a screen, but are given a resource to complement their educational experience.
As technology advances, education often seems to advance as well. Having immediate access to the internet and easier organization proves to be very beneficial. Although there are many benefits, technology can be abused. Therefore, St. Dominic High School should balance the use of paper and electronic materials in a way that will provide easy institution and less distraction in class.
