Journal post #1 Technology-savvy generation

Professors adjust their methods to reach technology-savvy generation
By Eleanor Yang Su
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

The introduction of this article feels like the writer was standing behind me in a few of my classes. I want to pay attention and learn as much as I can in the classroom but some of my classes are so unbelievably boring that I need my computer to make it through class.

Question: Why are these distracting devices allowed in the classroom?
I along with most people I know are at the point where it is easier to type notes rather than write then so to my strictly lecture only classes I bring it because I would fall behind if I was trying to hand write my notes in class. However when the lecture takes a turn that is not relevant to the class then my instant messenger comes on and I start a conversation with the student sitting next to me in class without passing notes or saying a word. This definitely puts a lot of pressure on the professors to step up the class and work a little harder; after all they do get paid the big bucks to teach me.

Question: Is multitasking really as dangerous as they say it is?
As for the multitasking constantly, it is a lifestyle I have become used to and when I don’t have my cell phone or my computer is broken I feel lost. My generation is one that needs constant stimulation and maybe that is a downfall but it is what it is and if professors are not willing to embrace it than they will have a classroom full of students working on various other projects while in class. The clickers are a great way to get students involved in class and get their minds working, and thinking about the topic. I have a class that has required the clickers but unfortunately my professor has spent 6 weeks saying we were going to use them and never doing so.