TikTok. Instagram. Constant notifications. Many worry that phones are destroying students’ ability to pay attention and, in turn, their ability to learn in the classroom. Indeed, even many adults say that they have trouble reading books because of the constant stream of distractions their phones provide.

But what does the research say? Are students actually less able to pay attention as a result of their phones? On this episode of The Report Card, Nat Malkus discusses these questions and more with Dan Willingham.

Daniel Willingham is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and the author of several books on education. His recent article Pay Attention, Kid! explored the link between technology use and students’ ability to focus.

Show Notes:

Pay Attention, Kid!

Are Purported Causes of NAEP Score Decline Actually Symptoms?

Daniel Willingham on Outsmarting Your Brain