It’s true that the use of digital technology in education is also helping students get access to better education but the same digital devices can also be a cause of distraction.
The increased rate of digital distraction is becoming more and more apparent in the case of digital learning programs. But the benefits of online learning programs are so overpowering that if handled properly, it can be resolved easily. Human being’s ability to stay focused on any task depends mainly on two separate neural processes. So, if students’ attention is directed towards a goal oriented activity, distraction tones down easily.
Educators can actually follow multiple hacks that would help them both structure their online learning environment and also address how students would interact online so that it can reduce distraction and increase their engagement. So, why not discuss in detail those fundamental tricks that will help teachers resolve students’ distraction if not immediately but gradually.
Giving Flexibility through Personalized Learning
Personalized learning strategies help students reach his or her potentials. When students can connect with the lessons and understand what they are learning is meaningful, they are less likely to get distracted. This is possible only when teachers execute maximum student-centered approaches to make learning more personal.
The other thing is to give students the complete freedom and flexibility to work in breakout groups as and when they are working on certain project works. By doing so, students understand their strengths and weaknesses pertaining to any assignment. They can also figure out, when they can take charge of any work independently.
It is important to keep students engaged with virtual gaming, peer-to-peer learning groups and speakers and this is important as it throws a vital opportunity to engage with learning beyond just simply watching a video. And most importantly, students get the encouragement to make personal educational choices with a variety of learning options that motivates them to take charge of their success.
Practical session/ Hands-On-Learning
Students find a lot of interest when they undergo hands on learning strategies. Rote memorization is more harm than good and students can learn better only when they enjoy what they are learning together. But students need prompts to find the underlying meaning behind the hands on activity for its success.
Examples of hands-on-learning are- allowing students to explore the treasure of online contents to go deep into the subject matter. Hands on learning is particularly important for STEM education.
Self-paced Progression
Learning should not be seen as a generalized process for all individual. Each student has their own pace of learning progression and also a common and productive path for success. When students are allowed to work at their own pace, they do not stress out and can easily absorb material and success rate accelerates automatically. The self-paced progression is actually paired with personalization and technology thereby fostering a new track which students can take to learn better.
Bringing Relevancy into Learning Process
When students understand what they are learning is relevant or what is its importance in real world, they are more likely to get engaged. For this, teachers must time and again quote real world examples or take the help of latest technology like virtual media to make things stand out real. Once it’s done, learning for students become less of a memorizing and stays life-long. This is how, the skills of students’ develop and used in the best interest of one’s well-being.
And the last point that needs no detailed explanation and one that at the end of the day is a pathway for success is ‘Patience’. Yes managing the curious minds is not always an easy job and can turn out really troublesome for the teachers but once done patiently, it has many benefits at the end of the day.
In case, you feel we missed out any important tip which you feel is indeed helpful to manage digitally distracted students, please feel free to mention it with us.
