A controversial topic of debate is how the amount of human interaction within society has decreased as the use of technology has increased and how this technology is affecting learning in the classroom. Some say that technology has become very resourceful, providing students with an unlimited supply of information, yet others argue that technology has transformed into too great of a distraction; with the use of virtual games and instant messages, students find it hard to pay attention and focus. The way children are taught to use technology can affect how they use it in the classroom. It provides them with the knowledge needed, but that knowledge comes with a great deal of responsibility. As evidenced by the decline in human interaction and the dependency on the internet, technology has been allowed to play too great a role in the education of children.
Technology within the curriculum is too much of an interference and can cause students to fall behind in their classwork. In many classrooms the internet is readily available, through smartphones or computers, and often times can affect students' productivity and concentration. Although the internet is useful as an educational tool, it can become a distraction. Students are often interrupted throughout class by their devices, whether it be push notifications or a new message. Although many researchers claim that the internet can provide students with course information and help them in taking notes, during lectures, discussions, or class presentations, students using laptops may be distracted by surfing on the internet or instant messaging with classmates or friends, leaving instructors and presenters to compete for students' attention. Students that use technology during class also have a hard time keeping their focus. Joe Golton writes, Computers, smartphones, or any other form of interruption technology challenges our ability to do anything that requires sustained attention.
