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Plunging test scores are a slow-moving catastrophe

207 points · 414 comments · vinni2

  1. dumberquestions · · focus · HN ↗
    The drop from 2018 to 2022 is as big as the one from 2022 to 2026, so it's not obvious whether AI had a role at all, although it's highly plausible.

    I suspect the bigger culprit is the optimized monetization of human attention, because pre-algorithmic social media doesn't seem to be as destructive. The fact that science wasn't as affected as math and reading (both of which rely more on attention/practice than rote memorization) somewhat supports this.

    1. asutekku · · focus · HN ↗
      Between 2018 and 2022, we saw the widespread adoption of social media and the rapid digitalization of education. Focusing on these key shifts, it seems clear to me that any kind of electronic learning has had a negative impact on education :p
      1. AlienRobot · · focus · HN ↗
        Another modern problem with education is that every student has a smartphone now, which they bring to the class, then they get distracted by it.
        1. procaryote · · focus · HN ↗
          This is highly optional. You can lock phones up at the start of the school day or at the start of class
          1. falserum · · focus · HN ↗
            How do you take the phone from a child refusing to give it up? (It Needs parent buy-in, which is not guaranteed)
            1. nobody9999 · · focus · HN ↗
              >How do you take the phone from a child refusing to give it up? (It Needs parent buy-in, which is not guaranteed)

              It's not just a good idea. It's the law[0].

              [0] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.governor.ny.gov&#x2F;eliminating-distractions-new-york-schools&#x2F;new-york-state-phone-free-schools-law" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.governor.ny.gov&#x2F;eliminating-distractions-new-yor...

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