Device distraction. It’s everywhere.

Next time you go to your local Starbucks, count the number of people in line screen surfing on their smartphones with their heads down, oblivious to the world around them.

We’re all guilty.  Yes, I am ashamed to admit having walked into a wall or two while checking email on my iPhone.

But device distraction has become an even bigger issue for today’s digital natives.  For this hyperconnected demographic, the challenges that accompany social media usage, gaming and other forms of device distraction are emerging as early as the elementary school years. And the dependency on mobile devices just skyrockets from there. Trust me – I have teenagers. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to engage a teenager who is in the middle of checking his Twitter feed, Instagram updates and participate in a group text chat – all at the same time, mind you.

I can only imagine the frustration of instructors – who’ve chosen their profession to help students learn only to have to battle the aforementioned evils in their classrooms every day.

So today I’m going to focus on some of the more interesting articles I’ve found this week on device distraction, especially when it comes to artfully using those devices to engage students and enhance learning.

Here are a few pieces (including some compelling research on the topic) that give you an idea of the battle we’re facing when it comes to device distraction:

  • What does research tell us about the severity and long term impact of device distraction?
  • 86 percent of students text message throughout class.
  • Four tips for engaging distracted students.

Alas, there is good news when it comes to defeating device distraction in the classroom – even in large enrollment classes where it’s easier for students to surf from the back row unnoticed.

Just ask University of Ottawa’s Dr. Colin Montpetit. Not only did he successfully minimize the distractions posed by mobile devices in the classroom, he actually encouraged the use of mobile devices and increased student participation by 49 percent in his large enrollment classes!