Dan PetrenkoENG1D1

Grade 9 Academic English‘3 R’ Response

Ms. SenthilnathanThursday, November 8, 2012

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‘Let’s Unplug the Digital Classroom’ Re-tell:

“Let’s unplug the digital classroom” is a published newspaper article

wherein, the author, Doug Mann strictly encourages both students and educators to

stop using digital technologies in the classroom. His thesis is explicit because it is

clearly stated in the first few sentences of the text. Mann explains that “the use of

digital technology in higher education has promoted ignorance, not knowledge, and

severely degraded basic reading, writing and thinking skills” (Mann, 1.) He provides

a succinct rationale to prove his view. Initially, he narrates how computers, phones,

and iPods redefine education as “fun and engaging” (Mann, 1), which, according to

him, is just wrong. Then, he mentions that technology in classrooms is a massive

distraction and is a cause of procrastination. Mann finishes off with the fact that

students are becoming ignorant of their education due to the use of technology.

Mann uses a variety of techniques, consisting of emotional and rational

arguments, to advocate his opinion. First of all, he uses the ‘dialogue with the reader’

strategy to build up a relationship with the audience. He does this by providing a

command for how to act next and he speaks as if the readers were his friends rather

than just anybody. Mann refers to this strategy when he states, “My solution? Hit the

off button in as many places as we can” (Mann, 1.) Mann then brings up an example

of a rational argument when he describes that “one student in 10 actually uses

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<computers> to looks up relevant facts and issues” (Mann, 1.) This is a statistic that

comes from research or data, which gives the author more credibility and

strengthens the argument. Mann also makes reference to popular culture when he

compares the issue with technology to a current political party; “Calling for more

digital technology in education today is like calling for more white people in the

Republican party.” This is done to illustrate the significance of the issue in the

modern society.

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‘Let’s Unplug the Digital Classroom’ Relate:

One of the main themes examined in “Let’s unplug the digital classroom” is

the opinion that technology causes major interferences in education. This reminds

me of my own learning at school. When I come home after school everyday, I go to

my room and attempt to finish all my homework. Everyday, I have to ask myself the

same question: How am I supposed to focus on my work when I have my iMac and

smartphone sitting right beside me luring me, wanting me to begin Skyping or

texting? Due to these technological distractions, the time it takes me to finish my

homework doubles or sometimes even triples.

Whether it is I or university graduates being put in the scenario, technology

is acting up as a distracting resource. In my case, I only use the technology at home,

which as worst leads to procrastination and thus a late bedtime. University or

college students on the other hand, abuse their privileges of technologies during

class time, which results in misunderstandings of assignments and potential failure.

According to Doug Mann, they are becoming “a generation of proud bibliophobes”

(Mann, 1.) The similarity between these two instances is that technology interferes

with one’s education whether they are in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary

school. This article and my own knowledge confirmed that whichever stage of

education a student is at, there are always distractions. I realize now, that

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concentration is a vital element in education. Now that I am aware of the on-going

issue, I can work on my concentration skills to redefine technology as a useful

resource rather than a distraction.

‘Let’s Unplug the Digital Classroom’ Reflect:

In the opinion article “Let’s unplug the digital classroom,” Doug Mann

encourages the reduction of digital technology in university classrooms. His views

should be considered highly controversial, and in my opinion, incorrect. Although

using technology in class is said to be distracting, everyone has the choice to abuse

their privileges. Since it is a choice, the technology is not to blame. The problem is

that the modern generation does not realize how to prioritize their values. They

have to choose between their education and their longing urge to update a status, a

choice that the past generations did not have to make. When the students are unsure

of their values, they are the ones at fault. If one removes their technology, they will

just find something else (a distraction) to replace it. I also believe that Mann’s article

is not very credible; he states that one student in ten uses <computer> to look up

relevant facts. I have personally been to a lecture at a university. From what I have

seen, every single person uses a computer during the presentation, most of which

have a Facebook tab open and browse on Twitter. But ALL of them simultaneously

listen and take notes on important information. Moreover, the tone that the author

uses is very self-contradicting (too many counter arguments) which makes it

difficult for the reader to understand the point of view in the beginning of the article.

However when it comes to whether the article is current, I believe it is. The

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examples mentioned (WiFi, computers, Smartphones, iPods) are considerably

modern and would not have made sense if the opinion were expressed a decade ago.

The topic discussed by Doug Mann is extremely significant to me now and in

the long run. It teaches me that when there is a goal I want to achieve, I have to learn

self-control and ignore all the distractions around me. This applies to almost

anything in life. Avoiding distractions helps earn respect from others and sometimes

helps survival on this rapidly developing planet. One may loose everyone close to

him when he decides to prioritize his/her technology over his friends. Furthermore,

In the ‘global village’ we live in now, paying attention to almost everything is crucial

to make sure one does not risk his/her financial life, political views, or health.

Likewise, in the future, when I am paying money to receive an education or working

hard to earn money, I will make sure that nothing will distract me because I can now

confirm that every single moment is precious and there is no time to waste.

Dan Petrenko

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