Although innovations such as video computers and the Internet seem to offer schools improved methods for instructing students these technologies all too often distract from real learning

Do innovations facilitate education in schools, or cause distraction among the students? Some believe technologies offered in schools makes students learn more efficiently. This camp might point out that projectors in class makes pictures or videos accessible to students and make them better understand the lectures. Others believe technologies deviate from real learning. These people believe that answering mobile phones make students absent-minded in class. I agree with first half of the statement that innovations facilitate education, but the second half of the statement goes too far in saying that all technologies can cause distractions. Actually, technologies can improve real learning and will not cause distractions if we use them properly.

Surely many technologies makes teaching more efficient. In a history class, teachers might find it difficult to demonstrate the prosperity and greatness of ancient civilization merely through words. However, a few pictures projected on the screen showing the great wall built by ancient Chinese, or the prestigious pyramids built by the Egyptians may easily achieve the same effect. Upon biology class, teachers might find it hard to illustrate the concept of growth, yet a video showing dynamic progress of plant growth or the metamorphosis of a butterfly will make this concept more accessible. Mere words cannot fully explain ideas or concepts in our textbooks, and teachers need technologies to make them accessible to students.

Those who are reluctant to accept that technologies benefit studies might point out that technologies might cause distractions. In many schools, students are allowed to take mobile phones when attend classes. Consequently, a ringing phone may disrupt teachers’ lecturing and draw students’ attention to the phone instead of the lecture. Also, many students have made a habit of using their smartphones to watch their favorite TV shows, listen to pop songs or chat with friends. Such distractions will prevent them from real studying and do no benefit to the education. However, such distractions are created only when we use technologies improperly. Cell phones are designed to connect people in distance without the burden of traveling, yet it may not be necessary to use them in class because people can communicate with each other directly without them. Therefore, if schools forbids the use of phones on class, such distractions will be dismissed.

Furthermore, technologies can focus students’ attention on the real learning instead of distracting it. Nowadays many students have tight schedule and loads of classes every day. Upon music class, students might easily fall asleep if teacher only lectures the rhythms and lighthearted style of chopin’s work with words. However, a play of chopin’s nocturnes will surely raise students’ curiosity and attention on this great musician.

After viewing the evidence, technologies have always been a good assistance in teaching. If we use them properly, they will raise students’ attention and focus on the real learning.