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Karl Sebire BComm, GradDipEd, MDes, MEd, MACE

Work Experience

Royal Alexandra & Albert School | The King's School | The Armidale School | Melbourne Grammar School | St. Kevin's College

With over a decade of experience working in education, I have seen a generation change the way that they learn and interact as technology has become increasingly pervasive. My first hand experiences gained from the classroom, the boarding house and the sporting field has given me a holisitic understanding of the needs of digital natives. I have used the platform within schools to explore the pedagogical impact made through advancements in technology. The implications of a digitally rich world continue to evolve and educators are tasked with constantly adapting to the demands of the 21st century learner.

With schools now catering to millienials (children who have grown up with ubiquitous technology), developing focus as an essential element of digital literacy is key to effective learning.

Learning how to focus in the age of distraction

Research tells us that the ability to exercise self-control and concentrate is one of the strongest predictors of success in later life. Yet, how do we achieve this when our desire to be present, productive and focused can be impeded by the very devices we are reliant on?

Divided attention is commonplace in daily life, where an individual can be working on a project, whilst competing with the chorus of interruptions that social media, gaming and entertainment can bring. Asking someone to use their digital devices for productivity without distraction is akin to giving them a plate of chips and peas and asking them to eat around the chips to get their daily dose of vegetables.Therefore, one must develop strategies to harness the power of technology whilst acknowledging that the ability focus will be the determinant of their success.