Despite the present trend of using advanced technology to promote and enhance knowledge and learning towards globalization, we cannot deny the fact that there is also an unfavorable result of utilizing them.
The increasing use of laptop computers, ipads, tablets and web-designed cellphones has created a concern on how the student’s performance is affected. Much of the studies done by distinctive universities, local or international, showed that learning and skills of the students are disturbed by the uninterrupted use of high-tech devices.
With the access of affordable digital devices, students can easily employ various applications, whether it is good or bad for them. Oftentimes, learners use their digital gadgets not only for learning or researching purposes but also in games and entertainment intentions, which resulting to poor performance of the students in the class. Constant manipulation of electronic gadgets also offers temptation to the learners, in this way the focus of attention in learning is at stake.
Recent research suggests that using digital devices distract learning than using traditional lecture instruction and active learning strategies can produce more effective learning objectives. (Crossgrove and Curran 2008)
It is also an interesting to note that students who write on paper, draw arrows, diagram results, and underlining topics engage the brain in a more complete way than typing or using laptops. The computer laptop users are getting distractions by facebook or other things that can be access online. (Sieber study)
Moreover, students who used cellphones reduced learning outcomes while students who reported no cellphone use earned higher grade than those who used their cellphones during the class.
These studies evidently proved that the use of digital devices in school campus really reduced learning.
Although, the modern technological advancement may proffer the world of learning vast leaps in the educational system, still school teachers and instructors should monitor and be watchful on how students use their digital gadgets properly and appropriately.
By: Mrs. Mina Lorena S. Lintag | Teacher III | Pablo Roman National Highcschool Pilar, Bataan
