Kids and Electronics--more structure needed for learning

On January 20, 2010, ABC 7 Chicago broadcast the results of a study saying that kids are using electronics seven hours per day.  In this study students who were "wired" for seven hours per day were not improving their grades.  A few students had limits on use placed by their parents and their grades went up.

In 2007, NEA Today  published an article, Don't Turn 'Em Off, Tune 'Em In! (2007, September). NEA Today, 26(1), 17.  Retrieved July 28, 2009, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1360186081).  In this article, the magazine encouraged schools to guide students in their use of electronics technology.

In my research, listening to digital audiobooks on iPods and MP3 players can improve academic performance and reading skills for students.  What the current study indicates is that students need more structure around their use of the electronic technology available.  It can enhance learning--when made a part of a structured approach integrating technology and learning.  Without the structure, students "go for the fun" without "going for the learning." 

In other research, I have found that learning takes place when we engage actively in learning activities.  If the activities we engage in are not tied to learning, the learning potential and value may be lost.