Today's fast-paced innovation is putting pressure on the human brain in more ways now than in all of human history. Our attention spans are shortening, our propensity to multi-task is at an all-time high, and technology designers know exactly how to keep us in an endless loop that's made focusing more difficult than ever.

From real-time polling and quizzes, to live lectures viewed online from thousands of miles away, it's no doubt that technology has changed the modern classroom. But has it been for the better? We posed this question to Tim Tangherlini, professor at the University of California, whose more than 20 years experience teaching college students has given him a unique understanding of how technology has transformed his classroom and campus. In this article, we dive into what are some of the key disadvantages with tech in education and explore a few ways to tackle them.

In the modern classroom, keeping students engaged comes with new challenges that past eras of teaching never had to face. More specifically, digital distractions — incoming texts, alluring social media, and irrelevant web-browsing — are pulling attention away at a rate unparalleled by passing notes, whispering to your neighbor, or daydreaming.

Jump to How to Get Started or Taking Attendance and Polling With Flipd

1. First, join your Flipd class with the 5-digit class code provided by your instructor. Tap here if you don't know how to join your class. 2. Start using Flipd for your first class Once you're joined in the right class, Flip Off by selecting the Class option on the home screen. You can only Flip Off within 5 minutes prior to when the class is starting or any time during. When class is active, you'll see the words: Join Now, then tap Begin to confirm. For example, if your class is from 2-3 pm, you can Flip Off any time from 1:55 pm until 3 pm.  3. Check In for Attendance (optional) Once you've successfully started your Flipd session, check-in with your attendance code if your professor is using Flipd attendance. Then, set your phone aside and avoid checking notifications in order to maintain your Flipd progress while the class is active. No internet connection? No problem. You can still check in without an internet connection — just make sure that the attendance code you entered is correct. When your phone connects to the internet again, your attendance submission will successfully sync up Flipd.   4. How to stay Flipd Off Staying Flipd Off for the lecture means that you remain in your active Flipd #Class screen until the class is finished and/or the timer runs out. You can still lock your phone and set it aside, but if you open your phone and attempt to leave Flipd to check something else you'll get a notification to remind you that you have 10 seconds to return. If you don't return, your Flipd progress for that session will end and you'll have to start over. For example, If you don't come back to Flipd within 10 seconds, the timer will expire. You can always start the timer again, but every minute you spend outside of Flipd will be excluded from your progress.   5. If you're not in a Flipd Class yet You can still Flip Off for class even if you're not part of a class yet. All of your time accumulated during the class period will be synced up once you've joined the class.  *Join a class as soon as possible, or send a message to Flipd Support if you have trouble.  6. Make the most of your experience To stay Flipd Off for class, simply Flip Off your phone, lock your screen, and set your phone aside until class is over. Each time you open your screen, check your notifications, or leave Flipd during the countdown, you run the risk of ending the Flipd session. The purpose is to develop more intentional phone-use habits — a skill that will help you in other important activities like studying, writing, working, and even spending time with friends. Find out how you can also use Flipd outside of class to stay focused while you study. Questions? Check out our FAQ & Knowledge Base to find answers quickly. If you can't find what your looking for, chat with us in the app or send a message to info@flipdapp.co with any relevant details and/or screenshots related to your issue. Our support team usually responds within 1 business day.

Jump to How to Use Flipd Messages Communicating with students isn't easy. With so many ways students can be reached now, it's difficult to know whether your message has been received or even read. But with Flipd Messages, sending a variety of messages to your students is simple and effective.