God’s Call to Avoid the Digital Void in Education

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The digital revolution has opened possibilities to greatly enhance learning in the education world, as seemingly endless knowledge can be at one’s fingertips.  But all is not well, for there seems to be developing a digital void!  In an article, “Digital Distractions: College Students in the 21st Century,” by Jennifer Endres and Danielle Tisinger of the University of Minnesota, it has been observed that: “Unfortunately, as new technologies emerge, many on our campuses see a decline in the educational outcomes of student learning.”

Many leading educators see a problem called “Digital Distraction.”  Universities have led in the use of information technology, stressing the adoption of computers, computer networks, the Internet, wireless networks, and widespread student laptop programs.  However, The New York Times and The Washington Post have had a number of articles highlighting the distraction-addiction-dark side of Internet technology. Nicholas Carr sparked the conversation about the downside of the Internet with his thought-provoking Atlantic Monthly article  “Is Google Making Us Stupid?”

In one study “Students in a North Carolina study posted significantly lower math test scores after the first broadband provider showed up in their neighborhood, and significantly lower reading scores as well when the number of broadband providers increased.”  And a Texas study found that “there was no evidence linking technology immersion with student self-directed learning or general satisfaction with schoolwork.”  (Keith Dawson, Slashdot, July 13, 2010)

Increasingly many students are relying more on the computer than their own cognitive capacities, often to entertain themselves even in class or to do many multiple tasks, rather than to develop the discipline to think critically on a topic.  At most all levels from the primary through college often the computer can be used for gaming, instant messaging, social networking, or on-line-shopping during class time.   Yes, the computer-enabled distraction, inattention, and escapism are major problems developing with in the American schools for the so-called “Millennial Generation” (born 1977-1998). 

Philip Zombardo noted in RSA Animate-enhanced TED Talk on The Secret Powers of Time that “the 10,000 hours of video games played by the typical American boy by the time he turns 21 traps him in the mode of instant gratification/present-hedonism and wires his brain for an always engaging, controllable, immersive virtual existence maladapted to traditional classroom learning, exacerbating our nation’s school drop-out problem.”  (Keith Gillette–June 14, 2010 in 1:1, Digital Distraction, & Internet Inattention (http://1to1schools.net/2010/06/11-digital-distraction-internet-inattention.html)), It has been noted as well that, “Neurological studies have found daily exposure to computers, smart phones, video games, and the internet can profoundly alter the brain’s neural circuitry.” (Empathy and Social Skills for Tech Savvy Teenagers,  Allen Findlay)

Although adults often are caught in this problem, researchers say the lure of the digital technology is a risk that, “developing brains can become easily habituated…to constantly be switching tasks—and less able to sustain attention.”  For example, an article from The New York Times, entitled “Growing Up Wired for Distraction,” deals with one student, like many others, who is often pulled away from traditional studies by his cell phone and computer.  His teachers say he is one of the brightest students, but his grades are very poor.  He is only inching by, if at all.  He explains: “On YouTube, you can get a whole story in six minutes. A book takes so long.  I prefer immediate gratification!”

The development of SELF-DISCIPLINE is very much ignored in contemporary learning in the public schools.  Many educators have suggested all types of ways to address the problem, but I feel that much of the problem is the result of lack of spiritual instruction and even adverse attacks on spiritual education in public education.  Self-discipline has greatly faded in contemporary schooling! 

History well teaches that the Reformed Christians in particular have valued education and cherished learning, which can be attributed to obedience to the Great Commandment of Mark 12:30: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:”  This attitude greatly influenced American education in the early days!

Most of the Christian Churches have had Catechism classes or classes focusing on the meaning and memorization of the Scriptures.  The Roman Catholics have classes on their Catechism, and so have many of the mainline Protestant Churches. Many have stressed memorization of the Scriptures.  The Reformed Churches, the Presbyterian, the Congregationalist, and many of the Baptist Churches have looked to the doctrines of the Westminster Standards, written in the 1640s in England.  Scripture, confessions, and catechisms work the mental muscles with more abstract concepts in addition to the more elementary concrete concepts.

The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Standards sets a platform that can address the problem of  “Digital Distraction.”  Question 4 is, “What is God?”   It is answered:  “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.”  In this digital age, the quest for truth with faith in God as part of the learning process can help develop self-discipline and give strong motivation and mental strength to work toward and from truth.  

Learn to instantly social network with God and enjoy his continual guidance toward the truth. Avoid things in the learning process that don’t help to glorify him.  To learn to realize God’s discipline in your life is central to developing real self-discipline, so as not to sink into the state of “Digital Distraction” in this digital age.  The message of the Bible is basic, as it combines motivation, power, and direction unto forming continual self-discipline in Christ, which VERY MUCH RELATES TO EDUCATION and speaks to the problem of “Digital Distraction”.

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by Joe Renfro, Ed.D., Radio Evangelist, Retired Teacher and Pastor, Box 751, Lavonia, Georgia 30553, 706-356-4173, joerenfro@windstream.net

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