The debate with engagement vs distraction extends beyond the classroom. We are in such a sensory overload environment that things like art museums are also trying to adapt to re-capture attention.
I'm not sure that I find this picture to be a comment on distraction as much as how much kids like touching things rather than starring at what, quite frankly, doesn't look to be that interesting of an exhibit.
If you want kids to be engaged in your museum, which is partially the point of this article/post, then you need to make it interactive. The same goes for the classroom. Making the classroom interactive whether through tech. or other means, is a necessity!
This site provides the tools for you to build up an argument or description of an event, person or historical period by placing items in a virtual box. What items, for example, would you put in a box to describe your life; the life of a Victorian Servant or Roman soldier; or to show that slavery was wrong and unnecessary? You can display anything from a text file to a movie. You can also view and comment on the museum boxes submitted by others.
This site provides the tools for you to build up an argument or description of an event, person or historical period by placing items in a virtual box.
"One of the wonders of the Internet is that it can bring the world to you instead of your needing to find the time and money to explore the traditional way. The following virtual tours bring opportunities to explore cities, famous landmarks and buildings, museums, college campuses, and even outer space. You can learn how things are made, explore the human body or that of a life-sized whale, and visit ball parks and theme parks. There is even a section of incredible virtual tours that Google Earth has compiled that shares the world in a whole new way."