My students have the latest and greatest tools.  

They have ipods, ipads, and idon’t know what else.  

For someone who grew up in the 1980‘s, today’s tools are mind blowing.  The kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers of my childhood didn’t have access to the information kids carry in their pockets these days.

And what do the kids do with these tools?

They slice fruit and throw birds at pigs.  When I was a kid, fruit was safe and birds were not angry.  Times change, I suppose.

Over the years, I have watched my students.  I have interviewed them.  What are they doing with these tools?

Well, for starters, they are forgetting that these devices are tools.  For many of them, just getting the tool has become the goal.

All of my students want the latest and greatest devices.  When I ask them whythey want these devices, they rarely provide an answer.  They only know that they want the latest and greatest devices.
They are like the dog who chases the fire truck.  What exactly is he going to do if he catches it?

My students have no real plan for their devices.  Once they possess the tool, they use it to do really dumb things.

Here is my tip for the week.  If you have a smartphone, delete unproductive apps.  For me, these include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  These apps distract me from productive work.

Chances are, they distract you as well.

Have a productive Saturday!