New study demonstrates the danger of normalising social media in the classroom

Intertwining the classroom curriculum with the use of technology has become the norm for many UK teachers and professors. In an attempt to prepare students for a world where people are glued to their automated devices, where flashing digital screens lace the streets and job roles depend on keyboards and internet searches, many headteachers and deans have welcomed technology with open arms and minds. For example, research projects that heavily depend on Google search operations and deep dives into online videos mean most students are already free to roam their laptops while in class. But who’s to know whether they’re splitting their time equally between educational and personal tasks? Otherwise known as ‘off-task’ activities, personal pursuits of the World Wide Web and mobile devices lead to increased distraction in lessons and decreased student engagement.