On Computers and Learning

I think technology is being used wrong. I think we could definitely augment student learning with computers, if we eliminated distractions. Because I actually improved when I received a computer, on all metrics. It's all in how you use the computer. If you get distracted by it, like play Starcraft instead of do your homework, it's bad. But, if you take identical notes to your teacher's powerpoint presentation on your powerpoint, it's good. You get my drift? The computer can help students organize, too, and keep the textbooks and homework on hand, so they don't forget it, or forget to do it.

It's all in how you use the tool. If the computer is just a play thing, and you're watching Memes and TickTock during class, of course it will hurt the student's performance. But, if the student learns the computer is a tool, and not a toy, that improves their learning by a lot. It will help them organize their work, and use the computer effectively not as a distraction, but as a tool for enhancing learning.

Like, YouTube especially, you can learn any subject you want on it. And learn it well. But, most people don't use YouTube for that, they watch Mr. Beast or people getting kicked in the balls. On all the learning channels, they get at max 1.7 million subscribers, when you can learn an AWFUL LOT from YouTube, and the professionals on it. You can teach yourself math, logic, science, english--because they take the role of lecturers.

One channel, in particular, taught me how to do algebra. There's a lot of good that can be used. It's just the students have to use it right. Which they're not.