Jonathan Zimmerman’s article “Welcome, Freshman. Look at Me When I talk to You.” debates the issue of advancing technology on whether or not digital technology is distracting in the classroom. Zimmerman reveals one piece of wisdom that is not communicated to students; close your windows. Zimmerman acknowledges that browser windows are a distraction to the student themselves, and to others around them. Zimmerman states that a sizeable body of research claims, people learn and perform much better when focusing on one thing at a time. Another research Zimmerman emphasizes, is that you retain more information when you read in print versus reading a screen. Zimmerman refers to evidence, such as eye trackers, to reveal that we are, in fact, more diligent when reading print. Zimmerman believes that digital technology has the ability to enhance learning, but also contends that it can be dangerous. Therefore, Zimmerman suggests that closing unnecessary windows and providing free printers will reduce distractions. …show more content…
Where this argument usually ends, however, is on the question of its distraction. At the same time that I believe digital technology allows for faster note taking, I also believe that it can prevent us from focusing. Should we, as an individual, be allowing other things to distract us? My whole life I have heard it said that we are responsible for ourselves. This reminds us that it’s each person’s own responsibility to keep themselves focused. However, I do agree with Zimmerman’s observation that most of us believe that we can do several things at the same time with the same efficiency. From my own experience, I know how easily it is to become distracted, especially while sitting in front of my laptop. This helps us explain why it is critical that we deter from opening multiple