If only battered walls, crumbling desks, and outdated chalkboards could speak they might point out that maybe technology isn't the best thing to ever happen to the classroom. In a jumping, somewhat out of focus, documentary titled "A Vision Of Student's Today" by Michael Wesch, in conjunction with his students, we are shown a somber reflection on a majority of student's feelings toward today's education system. Silent faces peer at the camera while unvoiced opinions and inner dialogues jump to the surface in a moment of daring honesty. Holding up signs with such admittances as "I spend too much time online during class", "I will read only eight books in one year but 2300 websites". Another student claims they bring their laptop for class but then doesn't do any class work on it. Yet another says they will be on facebook during class hours. Among these are also the worry that for most readings for classes, only 49% will be completed and out of those only 26% are relevant to life.
We see that in the life of most students 24 hour days don't hold enough time to get through their entire workload and the extra bits of entertainment they try to squeeze into their lives. Hours of tv, online time, talking on the phone, sitting in class, completing homework, and eating are all typical things many students try to cram into their days. Unfortunately with all the unconventional concerns eating up their days, including but not limited to, twitter, facebook, and video games that in no way contribute to higher education we find an increase in multi-taskers.
With fears expressed we see the worries of today's students. A short percentage of teacher's might know your name because classroom sizes, in some cases, exceeds 100 students, and some seats are continually empty due to failure to show up for class, all the while wracking up considerable debt.
Yet it's not only about the students. Among the worries inside the classroom and how technology might be running students to distraction are the social worries. One student points out on his laptop screen that his computer costs more than some people make in a year. Unfortunately as prices continue to rise we might see more and more of this.
Some students might find technology extremely helpful when it comes to learning in and out of the classroom but some might find it drives them to constant distraction. Whether they admit it or not, not everybody knows exactly what they hold in their hands when they log into a computer. People today have amazing access to something that could help us greatly, so long as we know how to use it.
I enjoy your essay as always. From your writing, I understand deeper meaning of Wesch's film. The students express there is not enough time for all the work and fun in life. I can totally relate to that feeling. I also love how you walk though the film just as how it starts in the beginning of the film. The use of the technology can be so positive to our lifes if we know how to use it properly.
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