Abstract
The usage of digital devices in classroom space highlights how it can be both a booster and a distraction for students of a young age. The typical hindrances in the classroom are digital and non-digitally, affecting the learning process.
There might be a need to adopt or restrict the use of smartphones and the Internet in the classroom space, which is reserved solely for learning and education.
Introduction
With the advent and easy availability of the Internet and the conditions of the pandemic, online mode of education has become widespread. While it has benefited quite a lot of people in several ways, the distractions of the Internet persist on a large scale.
Many teachers and professors in schools and colleges prefer using digital teaching. Often, it is easier to explain and elaborate complex science concepts using images and concepts. Props to explain those concepts are sometimes challenging to find or are not available.
Unsurprisingly, many students bring and use smartphones in college classrooms. Nevertheless, only a certain percentage use it for educational and research purposes. This usage and dependence upon technology will only increase in the coming time. It is high time that the need to curb those distractions and use the Internet wisely is realized.
Effect of digital devices on day-to-day human lifestyle
The Internet and smartphones have become very common in this century. Much of human interaction between people, especially between people of a young age, takes place online or by text, not even calls. Students’ age is negatively associated with digital distraction; older students are less prone to digital distraction [1].
This online interaction mode has deviated even into the field of education, where online classes and lectures are prevalent. While this is okay, the classrooms, which were supposed to be learning spaces, have now transcended into the comfort of the students’ homes, losing their uniqueness. Thus, the sincerity and discipline of the student stand at stake.
That is not to say the classroom had no distractions; it certainly did. However, those were minor and can be taken care of with slight encouragement from others.
With the easy availability of smartphones and the Internet, smartphones have become a hindrance rather than an asset to education. It is common to see people using their digital devices in places like stores as a burden rather than an asset to education. It is common to see people using their digital devices in places like stores, parks, and public transportation. The problem occurs when people use these devices in classrooms. There is more at stake in the classroom than in the public spaces [2].
The space of the classroom is both unique and essential. It is not just a social gathering. While it is true that many of the classrooms now use digitality and smartphones as a means of teaching, more people nowadays are using it for unrelated activities such as social media. It is worth highlighting social networks and messaging applications as the main distractors with similar percentages, well ahead of email or music [1].
Uses of the Internet and digitality for educational purposes
The Internet in education can be used for various purposes. Nowadays, there is easy access to apps and platforms with infinite amounts of information that can provide students with engaging instructions and meaningful learning [2].
Furthermore, teaching online for students has resolved queries and doubts faster and more efficiently. While it is true that the amount of study material might be overwhelming on some topics, the essence and accuracy of the solutions are undeniable if the source is trustworthy. Fact-checking and discussion with fellow students can also be done quickly. Not to mention, the online method of learning and studying is effective and time-saving.
Another advantage the online mode holds is its almost all-time availability. Many academic doubts and queries can be resolved online; meeting personally is impossible.
Discussions among peers and teachers can also be done online, regardless of the physical distance separating them.
However, it is the obsession with technology that we need to be aware of. Digital distractions are habitual and still happen frequently despite an admission by a large majority of students that this behavior hampers their ability to pay attention in the classroom [3]. The Internet should be treated only as a resource, not a compulsion.
The inclusion of smartphones in the class also depends upon the teacher. It is found that older teachers might need to be more inclusive and supportive of the usage of technology in the classroom among students as younger teachers [4].
Why invasion of the Internet serve against education
The seriousness and formality of the classroom cannot be replicated in the online mood. The sincerity of the students also needs to catch up in some cases. The lack of physical presence of a teacher sidetracks the student from learning.
Besides those psychological distractions, technology can obstruct learning even when trying to learn from its judicious use. Network problems, the sound of notifications or keyboards, and devices not working correctly are examples of such distractions.
The Internet and social media distraction also causes youngsters to lose focus during online lectures. Bringing smartphones into the classroom and engaging with them for activities unrelated to academics and without the teacher’s instructions is another diversion students let themselves be prone to.
The frequency and duration of the time they spend on digital devices for non-class purposes, such as texting, emailing, and social networking, consumed an average of 20.9% of a student survey respondents’ time in the classroom [4].
Students admit that this is one of the main reasons they may need to pay attention and miss instructions in class.
The adoption of technology and devices by the coming generation will be ever-increasing. Currently, we are all surrounded by various digital devices that are even wearable, like smartwatches. With this fact, the question arises if colleges and educational institutions need to restrict the use of technology or adopt better and latest tech to help increase student engagement.
Conclusion
On one hand, the Internet is a great resource that can significantly increase the academic aspect of an individual student’s life. On the other hand, it can also become the sole reason the student’s scores display a graph that goes down over time. Although it is practically impossible to stop digitality altogether (not to mention the lack of sense it would make), we can learn to focus on what suits us.
Through our app, Feedants, one can connect with professionals and novices alike, fellow students, and university professors who know how to use the Internet to achieve one’s most significant academic potential. It is the need of the hour that students and working professionals alike know the impact of using digital devices positively on their careers and even their mental well-being.
References-
[1] M. Á. Pérez-Juárez, D. González-Ortega, and J. M. Aguiar-Pérez, “Digital distractions from the point of view of Higher Education Students,” MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/7/6044 (accessed Sep. 3, 2023).
[2] Curbing digital distractions in the classroom — ed, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1148591.pdf (accessed Sep. 3, 2023).
[3] Digitalcommons@university of Nebraska — lincoln, https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1118&context=journalismfacpub (accessed Sep. 3, 2023).
[4] Digital distractions in the classroom phase II: Student classroom use …, https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1091&context=journalismfacpub (accessed Sep. 3, 2023).
