What happens if we compare modern society today to society in the 1960s? Of course, we’ll see plenty of differences. Things were definitely cheaper to produce and buy, and you might even feel that people used to be more elegant. Aside from the cool cars, fashion, and great music, one difference stands out: not a smartphone in sight!
Modern society has many labels, but the modern age is uniquely distinguished by smartphones. Today, over 5 billion people have mobiles phones, and over a third of the planet’s population has smartphones. Suffice to say that living without a mobile phone has become nearly impossible for most people, especially youth.
When people are separated from technology, such as their smartphones, many develop symptoms of separation anxiety. Just try taking away your child’s phone without some form of a tantrum. “No phone, no internet” has become a trendy form of discipline. However, digital “grounding” has shown zero positive effect on behavior due to the fact that:
Professors Howard Gardner and Katie Davis, argue that smartphones and mobile apps are here to stay. Living with smartphones has had an enormous impact on our students and society at large, so how do we ensure that this impact stays positive?
For Gardner and Davis, “apps that allow or encourage us to pursue new possibilities are app-enabling. In contrast, when we allow apps to restrict or determine our procedures, choices, and goals, we become app-dependent.”
Here are a few examples that illustrate app-dependent behavior:
For students to engage in real-world learning experiences, we have to find an appropriate role for technology and some of those apps in the classroom. Immersing students in app-enabling activities can help develop desirable qualities such as critical thinking and imagination.
The ultimate goal is to turn that smartphone, and all of it’s downloaded apps from a big distraction into a powerful educational tool.
Forward it to a friend or colleague.
A bio goes a long way when preparing for a first job, or applying for university. And it can do more.
Students will find their Aimee Bio can also help them to:
Have some time to spare? Here’s a list of the main differences between students who are app-dependent and app-enabled.
