Digital Devices and Learning Effectiveness in classrooms

SUMMARY

 Existing Knowledge:

1. Digital devices (DDs) like smartphones, laptops, and tablets are widely used in classrooms to access information, engage in online learning, and support academic tasks.

2. Research indicates that multitasking with digital devices reduces focus, comprehension, and academic performance due to frequent distractions.

3. While DDs offer educational benefits such as enhanced research capabilities and interactive learning, they also pose risks of misuse, including excessive social media usage and gaming during class.

New Insights:

1. Awodiji and Baluka found that students recognize both the benefits and challenges of using DDs in classrooms. While devices aid in research and academic tasks, they are also significant sources of distraction, particularly through social media and non-academic activities.

2. Students frequently use DDs for personal activities during lectures, resulting in divided attention and reduced engagement. This impacts not only their learning effectiveness but also the focus of peers.

3. The study highlights the need for structured use of DDs, combining digital tools with traditional teaching methods, alongside promoting digital literacy and self-regulation among students.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Establish Clear Usage Guidelines: Schools and teachers should implement and enforce rules for DD use during class to minimize distractions and maximize educational benefits.

2. Blend Traditional and Digital Methods: Integrating traditional teaching with responsible DD use can create a balanced approach to learning, leveraging technology's advantages while maintaining focus.

3. Foster Digital Citizenship: Institutions should educate students on digital literacy, self-regulation, and appropriate technology use to cultivate responsible habits and enhance academic outcomes.

Reference:
Awodiji, O. A., & Baluka, B. (2023). Digital devices: Blessings or curses to university students’ learning effectiveness in the classroom. Studies in Learning and Teaching, 4(2), 355–371. https://doi.org/10.46627/silet.v4i2.242

Cite/Refer this summary: Ross, E. M. and Malar, D. B. J. (2024). Digital Devices and Learning Effectiveness in classrooms. Excellent Educator, 1(17), 1.  https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.28030958