Hi, I’m Grace and On Media in the Classroom

 Dearest reader near or far,


Welcome to Gracious Thoughts!! I am Grace and I am currently a student at California State University, Northridge, where I plan to graduate at the end of this term.  As I write this, it is still week one of the semester, which has had a hostile start following the initial fires throughout the Los Angeles area and furthered by the Hughes fire in Castaic and high winds through the week. If you are reading around this time, I pray that you are safe and well (or whenever really;)).


Allow me to introduce myself to you a bit more before we dive into the topic of today’s post. Outside of being a student, I am also a Christian wife, wannabe beauty guru and performing arts enthusiast.  I am an introvert and enjoy solitude, especially during the semester when I am around more people than ever.  Prioritizing me-time is crucial for me to keep my head attached, and my favorite solo hobbies include journaling, reading, creating Pinterest boards, and going for walks.  If you haven’t done anything this week to take care of yourself, I encourage you to do so!  We all need a little self-care to help us aim for optimal.


I want to respond to a conversation started by author Jonathan Haidt in his interview with the Daily Show, during which he discussed his book The Anxious Generation.  The book exposes the emotionally unstable Gen Z as a product of a flighty childhood built on media impact rather than the risk and adventure of hands-on play that guided the relative groundedness of generations prior.  Part of Haidt’s call to action was the removal of cell phones from the school environment, which in personal experience, I have seen implemented at Granada Hills Charter High School during observations.  Cell phone pouches were hung on the wall for students to turn in their devices at the start of class.  I agree that this was a necessary move to limit the distraction of social media during class time.  However, I would argue that the use of Chromebooks for notes, assignments, and research during class could use greater parameter implementation as well.  During my observations, which I have been privileged to tune in for in an effort to study active teachers in advance of my own teaching career to see what works and what does not, I have noticed more than a few instances of Chromebooks being misused and becoming the very distraction they are meant to contain/replace with phones in the classroom.  While there is certainly application for technology in the classroom such as the creation of diversified lesson plans, research ease, and accessibility, I think it is important to monitor the use of technology to ensure it is being utilized in the most ideal way possible for student success.  As the force of media intensifies in society as technology advances, it is imperative for teachers to be mindful of the media literacy they are modeling for their students, and the application of technology is within that sphere.


What are your thoughts on technology in the classroom?  Drop a thought below.


Thanks for reading and until next time, stay gracious!




Comments

  1. Julia ZieglerJanuary 25, 2025 at 3:56 PM

    Hey Grace,
    What a great conversation starter and insight into the world of the classroom today. I do think technology within the classroom can be very tricky considering the use of social media. I agree that if students are using it for the appropriate use such as notes, homework, and class assignments then all should be good and well. The problem occurs when they realize they can access their social media through the use of the computer. Even if phones aren't allowed in the class they will find a way to get on to Instagram or TikTok. Teachers will just have to monitor the students here and there to make sure they are staying on task. If they aren't maybe the computer has to be taken away from them. Instead of using the computer they will be forced to to any notes or assignments on paper.If they can't use technology properly they don't get to use it at all. It is a privilege not a necessity.

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