Digital Distraction

Keeping students on task when using technology is a challenge for most teachers.  Some teachers are uncomfortable with technology in the classroom and will try to control the technology and student use of it.  Other teachers are more comfortable with technology and will keep the students engaged when using tech but will control screen time and internet usage on the devices.  The third group of teachers are integrating tech in the classroom with ease and are setting expectations for using the technology to have students become self-aware of when and how long they are using the devices.  In my classroom, I began with the second stage but have progressed through the third stage of managing the technology and the distractions.  The reason this is possible is because expectations are set and reinforced constantly throughout the class period.  Teachers can get to this level of management if they are committed to setting expectations and procedures with their classes and be consistent with those expectations.  Support from colleagues and administration would help the teachers be more comfortable with managing technology distractions.  A school-wide effort on setting expectations with technology would greatly improve the level of technology effectiveness and lower the level of distractions that teachers face with technology.