This picture has been making the internet rounds. It's of students playing on their cell phones instead of looking at a Rembrandt painting. I'll pause long enough for us to consider the potential benefits of this situation.
The Rijksmuseum has an app that, among other things, contains guided tours and further information about the works on display. As part of their visit to the museum, the children, who minutes earlier had admired the art and listened attentively to explanations by expert adults, had been instructed by their school teachers to complete an assignment using, among other things, the museum's excellent smartphone app. This use of technology not only engaged the students but also enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the art.
So, they were learning on their app. Whoever snapped the photo had a specific agenda they wanted to push forward, even though they knew the truth of the situation.
We keep seeing photos like this and hearing from people who worry that the "new generation" won't appreciate the world's wonders.
They do appreciate the wonders of the world. They simply have a different, more technologically-driven approach to learning than previous generations. And that's okay. It's important to recognize and value different learning styles, as they can all lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
And even if someone wanted to spend their time doing something "different" in a museum, who are we to judge them?
Rembrandt painting - Le Chic Geek. https://lechicgeek.boardingarea.com/kids-trip-looking-smart-phones-instead-rembrandt/rembrandt-painting/
