Writing: The Vista- Technology

{as seen in the opinion section of The Vista - USD's newspaper}

Welcome to the Age of Technology where we are so inundated with gadgets that they are coming out of our ears [quite literally-- Bluetooths (Blueteeth?)… While we are on the subject, please, when you are not in the car do not wander around with your Bluetooth. I can never tell if someone is on the phone with their mother-in-law or if they are particularly angry at the Trader Joe’s salami selection]. We have had to move from being the “me-generation” to the “i-generation” to incorporate our ever-growing addiction to i-things (ipod, iphone, ipad, imaxipad, itampon).

At this point, it only seems fitting to embrace our dependence and make the best of it. However, USD (or at least the Comm. Department at USD) does not agree. Many teachers (and in the case of Communication Studies) and departments have banned technology in the classroom. Why is this?
In an age where everyone has ADD and multi-tasking comes as naturally as the menstrual cycle, it seems silly to suggest that it is even possible to sit through a lecture without some minute distraction. It is not only this generation that has benefited from the momentary window glance or passed note as a means to take a mental break from the steady stream of information. In the same way that children have “recess” to let off some of their extra steam we have blogs we check or people we creep on to help us get rid of the inevitable heebeegeebees that come from sitting in an hour and a half lecture. Scientific research shows that brief breaks such as these lead to more acute concentration post distraction.

If it is an issue of respect, I understand where our professors are coming from. I agree that it is excruciatingly disrespectful (not only to teachers but to fellow peers) to spend the entire class looking up the latest stats on espn.com or the newest boots on shopbop while a professor is attempting to impart his or her knowledge.

But at the same time, shouldn’t we be in charge of ourselves? By putting such rudimentary rules upon us, teachers are suggesting that we nothing more than junior high deviants who still need our hands held and our homework written on the board. Isn’t it part of the assumption that when one is in college he or she can be responsible for him or herself? If I can pay bills, make dinner and generally take care of myself, I can and should know how I can best conduct myself in the classroom. If I choose to spend $109 on facebook (1,240 per unit x 3 units ÷ 17 weeks ÷ 2 classes per week) isn’t that my prerogative?

This technology ban is elongating our self-actualization process. It took me two classes of continuous facebooking to realize that I took no notes and completely missed the point of the lecture. I learned from my mistake and I could now happily sit taking notes on my computer with no more than a momentary profile check when I feel my mind wandering. However, I should not have to suffer looking at my poorly organized hand written notes because Ms. Twitter and Mr. Facebookstalker have ruined it for all of us. They are already suffering the consequences of their actions… why should the rest of us (responsible note takers) suffer along too?

If USD is so committed to helping us grow as multi-dimensional students they need to let us be responsible for our own actions. It should be our decision whether we use technology in the classroom. If we choose to abuse this right, we will have to suffer the consequences of knowing that we lost professors respect and $109.