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Dan Petrenko
ENG1D1
Grade 9 Academic English
3 R Response
Ms. Senthilnathan
Thursday, November 8, 2012









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Lets Unplug the Digital Classroom Re-tell:
Lets 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
<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
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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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Lets Unplug the Digital Classroom Relate:
One of the main themes examined in Lets 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 ones 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
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.
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Lets Unplug the Digital Classroom Reflect:
In the opinion article Lets 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 Manns 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
examples mentioned (WiFi, computers, Smartphones, iPods) are considerably
modern and would not have made sense if the opinion were expressed a decade ago.

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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.