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.

Thanks, Charlie, You've Made a Difference in My Life and Mom's 95th Birthday

Tonight is "offically" Charles Gibson's final night on ABC World News.  I have been watching Charlie on ABC for more than 20 years--he's been in the business for 34 years and I'm sure I saw some of his earlier programs as well.

Somehow I felt I could trust Charlie Gibson and felt good having him in my living room (or wherever) on Good Morning America, ABC World News, and the many other programs.  He has made me an observer with him at turning points in U.S. history--such as the inaguration of President Barack Obama.

He has felt like a real friend, though I have never met nor spoken to him in person.  I will miss him.  I especially liked the team of Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer on ABC--for several years on Good Morning America.  It's interesting that Charlie left Good Morning America to take over ABC World News after the death of Peter Jennings.  Now Diane has left Good Morning America to take over ABC World News as Charlie retires.  I wish him well in his retirement and hope to see him doing what he loves.

Thanks, Charlie,
You have made a difference in my life and I appreciate you.

Speaking of Making a Difference in My Life,

Today is my mother's 95th birthday, born December 18, 1914.  Happy Birthday, Mom!!