According to research done by the Australian Teacher Magazine, more than 90.7% of students in Australia use smartphones for school-related work. Further, more than 80% of teachers use smartphones for research, storage, and presentation of study materials such as scanned documents and images among others. There is no doubt about the fact that the use of cell phones in the classroom has had an impact on education. Some of the effects of smartphones on education are negative as noted by the same research. According to the research, 30% of the students interviewed believe that the use of smartphones has negatively affected the learning environment. Although the students did not point out specific negative impacts, it is a question that must be looked at critically. However, in this post, we focus on the role that cell phones play in education.
Smartphones Provide Access To Study Materials
With the dawn of the internet and cell phones in classrooms, it is easier for students to access the study materials they need. The internet is rich with research papers, books, and study guides that would otherwise be expensive for most students. Students can now download research papers and books that help in studies online. Further, the time needed to search for information through study materials has been reduced. Using search engines, students can find materials that address the topics of concern without having to read through hundreds of irrelevant pages as it is the case with books.
Cell Phones Help Prepare Students For The Real World
For a long time, the education system was built on the principles of theoretical learning. Students had to learn things that they could not apply in real life. The introduction of gadgets such as computers and smartphones gives the student a real-life experience. Students learn how to deal with real-life situations, handle emergencies, and still focus on school work.
Cell Phones Help Students Connect With Extra tutorial help
As much as the teacher provides guidance to students, they still have a lot of work to cover on their own. According to the Teachers’ Board in the U.S, a teacher is only supposed to provide 25% of the expected course work. The rest of the work must be done by the students. This explains why statistics on cell phone use in school indicate a positive outcome. For a long time now students have been using external tutor service for writing essay at both high school and college levels. Students can now connect with other tutors online and source for materials that are not provided by teachers.
The Use Of Cell Phones At School Promotes Technological Innovation
Students all over the world are now involved in technological advancement thanks to having technological tools at their fingertips. Facebook it itself was invented in a student dormitory. Many other apps and multi-million businesses have come up along the same line. Students use cell phones to promote technological advancement through research and linkages with other people in the industry.
Cell Phones Help Keep Students Happy And Interactive
One of the major problems that educators have to face is getting students interested in class work. Most students lack enthusiasm about learning due to the traditional ways of learning. However, technological gadgets introduce an interactive mode of learning. Smartphones are good tools to help create enthusiasm among students. Many schools are now using custom devices to help keep the students in the mood for class work.
Although many critiques of phones in education view them as a distraction, statistics show the contrary results. According to research done by Campus Technology, 93 percent of students want to use phones in class. Further, 62% of students are found to be more attentive in class when they have their phones around.
Having Phones In The Education Paves Way For The Introduction Of Other Technologies
Thanks to the availability of computers and phones, there are now schools that are dedicated to teaching Blockchain technology. Students can now advance their knowledge in such fields in a practical way by using phones in class.
Technological advancements have been closely linked with the existing technology. The smartphone is the greatest piece of technology in this era. A smartphone is simply a computer compressed to fit into the pocket. Having these microcomputers helps students understand other technological developments.
Conclusion
According to a The Atlantic Magazine, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects are the core of development. Research shows that over 80% of jobs in the developed countries relate to STEM. The use of smartphones helps integrate key theoretical aspects of STEM into the classroom environment. Students need technology to be able to relate what they learn with real-life experiences. It is therefore paramount to invest in technology for a holistic learning experience.
Nicole Lewis
Nicole Lewis is a leading college student advisor with years of experience. Nicole has been helping students across the world understand the learning environment by providing practical learning solutions. Nicole contributes to many leading student magazines across the U.S and UK.