RU2 chatty?

Alex Wirth | Generation: Next

5/15/2008 - 5/15/08

Freshman Ben Loftin sits in front of his computer working on his homework. Unlike most of his classmates, his computer and phone are turned off, allowing him to concentrate better.

With our world becoming extremely dependent on multitasking, students have turned to doing their homework while texting and IMing (Instant Messaging). Also, students have decided that it is more interesting to text during class than pay attention to the teacher. This is creating a huge debate among teachers, students and parents.

According to Santa Fe Prep English teacher Rob Wilder, when you multitask, the quality of the work goes down.

"If your focus is interrupted, then it reduces the quality of your work."

Parent Alison Cullen agrees saying that texting and IMing interrupt the learning process. She has worked with her daughter, Griffin Cullen, who attends St. Michael's, to understand the appropriate uses of texting.

Griffin Cullen agrees with her mom.

"If you are totally focused on one subject, then you will understand it better," Griffin Cullen said. Because she understand this, she can limit the amount of texting that she does, especially while doing homework and in class.

Both Alison Cullen and Wilder agree that homework that is done with half the focus generally receives a worse grade.

Another issue to consider is how much do students really learn when distracted? In a study done by Cornell University, they took a college lecture course and divided it into people using computers and people not. They found that the people not using computers absorbed much more information.

Homework and classes are supposed to be learning experiences, but multitasking during these activities could lower overall course grades.

All Santa Fe high schools have rules against texting in class out of respect for the teachers and to keep students focused. Many students, however, continue to text during class.

"Most people text in class as a way of communication," Griffin Cullen said.

Socially, she said, if students aren't texting or IMing they could feel left out.

"It's a whole new teenage culture and has become kind of important socially," Alison Cullen said.

With finals approaching and the homework load going up, another issue to consider is the amount of time that it takes to do homework while IMing and texting.

Having his IM on distracts Loftin and it takes him longer to finish his homework.

"It takes me about an hour longer since it makes me not focus on homework, because I get too involved with the social aspect of it," Loftin said.

Others argue that IMing and texting allow them to get help on homework.

"It is somewhat beneficial if used correctly," Wilder said.

The problem is that once a conversation with someone has started, it's hard to end it. It requires extreme self-discipline to get help and then go away.

Wilder's solution to the problem is better parenting. Alison Cullen believes that she and her daughter have reached a compromise on the issue.

"There is a general understanding between me and my daughter about the rules regarding texting and she respects them and knows why they are in place," Alison Cullen said.

Students, parents and teachers agree on one thing and that is the need for balance. There is no way that the computer or cell phone will go away.

Loftin has decided that good grades and free time are more important to him, and he still manages to find time to turn on the computer and cell phone after he's done with his homework.

Alex Wirth is a freshman at Santa Fe Preparatory School. You can reach him at AlxWirth@gmail.com.