Dan Petrenko ENG1D1 Grade 9 Academic English 3 R Response Ms.

Senthilnathan Thursday, November 8, 2012

Dan Petrenko

Lets Unplug the Digital Classroom Re-tell:

Lets unplug the digital classroom is a published newspaper article wherein, the author, Doug Mann strictly encourages both students and educators to stop using digital technologies in the classroom. His thesis is explicit because it is clearly stated in the first few sentences of the text. Mann explains that the use of digital technology in higher education has promoted ignorance, not knowledge, and severely degraded basic reading, writing and thinking skills (Mann, 1.) He provides a succinct rationale to prove his view. Initially, he narrates how computers, phones, and iPods redefine education as fun and engaging (Mann, 1), which, according to him, is just wrong. Then, he mentions that technology in classrooms is a massive distraction and is a cause of procrastination. Mann finishes off with the fact that students are becoming ignorant of their education due to the use of technology.

Mann uses a variety of techniques, consisting of emotional and rational arguments, to advocate his opinion. First of all, he uses the dialogue with the reader strategy to build up a relationship with the audience. He does this by providing a command for how to act next and he speaks as if the readers were his friends rather than just anybody. Mann refers to this strategy when he states, My solution? Hit the off button in as many places as we can (Mann, 1.) Mann then brings up an example of a rational argument when he describes that one student in 10 actually uses

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<computers> to looks up relevant facts and issues (Mann, 1.) This is a statistic that comes from research or data, which gives the author more credibility and strengthens the argument. Mann also makes reference to popular culture when he compares the issue with technology to a current political party; Calling for more digital technology in education today is like calling for more white people in the Republican party. This is done to illustrate the significance of the issue in the modern society.

Dan Petrenko

Lets Unplug the Digital Classroom Relate:

One of the main themes examined in Lets unplug the digital classroom is the opinion that technology causes major interferences in education. This reminds me of my own learning at school. When I come home after school everyday, I go to my room and attempt to finish all my homework. Everyday, I have to ask myself the same question: How am I supposed to focus on my work when I have my iMac and smartphone sitting right beside me luring me, wanting me to begin Skyping or texting? Due to these technological distractions, the time it takes me to finish my homework doubles or sometimes even triples. Whether it is I or university graduates being put in the scenario, technology is acting up as a distracting resource. In my case, I only use the technology at home, which as worst leads to procrastination and thus a late bedtime. University or college students on the other hand, abuse their privileges of technologies during class time, which results in misunderstandings of assignments and potential failure. According to Doug Mann, they are becoming a generation of proud bibliophobes (Mann, 1.) The similarity between these two instances is that technology interferes with ones education whether they are in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary school. This article and my own knowledge confirmed that whichever stage of education a student is at, there are always distractions. I realize now, that 4

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concentration is a vital element in education. Now that I am aware of the on-going issue, I can work on my concentration skills to redefine technology as a useful resource rather than a distraction.

Lets Unplug the Digital Classroom Reflect:

In the opinion article Lets unplug the digital classroom, Doug Mann encourages the reduction of digital technology in university classrooms. His views should be considered highly controversial, and in my opinion, incorrect. Although using technology in class is said to be distracting, everyone has the choice to abuse their privileges. Since it is a choice, the technology is not to blame. The problem is that the modern generation does not realize how to prioritize their values. They have to choose between their education and their longing urge to update a status, a choice that the past generations did not have to make. When the students are unsure of their values, they are the ones at fault. If one removes their technology, they will just find something else (a distraction) to replace it. I also believe that Manns article is not very credible; he states that one student in ten uses <computer> to look up relevant facts. I have personally been to a lecture at a university. From what I have seen, every single person uses a computer during the presentation, most of which have a Facebook tab open and browse on Twitter. But ALL of them simultaneously listen and take notes on important information. Moreover, the tone that the author uses is very self-contradicting (too many counter arguments) which makes it difficult for the reader to understand the point of view in the beginning of the article. However when it comes to whether the article is current, I believe it is. The

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examples mentioned (WiFi, computers, Smartphones, iPods) are considerably modern and would not have made sense if the opinion were expressed a decade ago.

The topic discussed by Doug Mann is extremely significant to me now and in the long run. It teaches me that when there is a goal I want to achieve, I have to learn self-control and ignore all the distractions around me. This applies to almost anything in life. Avoiding distractions helps earn respect from others and sometimes helps survival on this rapidly developing planet. One may loose everyone close to him when he decides to prioritize his/her technology over his friends. Furthermore, In the global village we live in now, paying attention to almost everything is crucial to make sure one does not risk his/her financial life, political views, or health. Likewise, in the future, when I am paying money to receive an education or working hard to earn money, I will make sure that nothing will distract me because I can now confirm that every single moment is precious and there is no time to waste.

Dan Petrenko