HOW GADGETS AFFECT THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS? (TOP FACTS EXPLAINED)

 

Coding on a tablet computer – illustrative photo. How do gadgets affect the academic performance of students? The effects can differ, depending on many factors which are explained in this article. Image credit: Robo Wunderkind via Unsplash, free license

Various gadgets can change students’ experiences in school. They may be helpful in learning but may also negatively impact their academic performance. This question has become even more important with the advance of mobile electronics, online search, and artificial intelligence tools. Let’s delve into this matter in detail.

What gadgets can you use for learning purposes?

We have gone far beyond that point where a screen projector was the only gadget in the classroom. Now, there is a wide range of gadgets that can be used for learning purposes at school and university. Here are some examples of such devices:

1. Laptops: they are versatile and can be used for taking notes, creating presentations, and conducting research. They are also useful for distance learning and online courses.
2. Tablets: compared to laptops, these devices are more portable and easy to use, making them a good choice for taking notes, reading textbooks, and viewing educational videos.
3. E-readers: when reading digital books, they can save students money on textbooks and reduce the number of physical books they need to carry.
4. Smartphones: you can use them for accessing educational apps, recording lectures, and communicating with classmates and professors.
5. Smartwatches: they do not have large screens, but can easily be used for reminders, time management, and tracking fitness goals, which can help students stay organized and focused.
6. Virtual reality headsets: they are not mainstream yet, but can already be used to create immersive learning experiences, allowing students to explore virtual environments and simulations.
7. Calculators: these gadgets are classics. They are essential tools for math and science courses, and there are many different types available for specific purposes.

Modern classrooms are usually packed with different kinds of gadgets – digital screen projectors, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and headsets. Image credit: CX Insight

What are the advantages of using gadgets in school?

The advantages of gadgets in school include:

• Gadgets let students effortlessly find the information they need. That increases students’ knowledge and saves time for other activities. They can also easily learn something they do not usually learn in school.
• Gadgets facilitate communication. Students can exchange their ideas easier with their peers or collaborate to make group projects.
• There are many educational games that can help students to better acquire knowledge or foster their creativity.

Even well-known devices such as headphones may boost the immersive learning experience of students of different ages. Image credit: Ben Mullins via Unsplash, free license

What are the risks of using gadgets in school?

However, gadgets pose many risks:

• Students may become dependent on gadgets. It may negatively affect their academic performance, relationships with parents and peers, and emotional health.
• Gadgets, if used intensively, pose health risks. They can negatively impact eyesight or posture.
• Students may spend too much time playing games or using social networks. This means that less time is left for academic activities. Students may also have problems with concentrating and staying focused, especially if the gadget is always at hand.

Using a specialized drawing tablet – illustrative photo. Image credit: Josefa nDiaz via Unsplash, free license

How gadgets affect the academic performance of students?

The impact of gadgets on the academic performance of students is a complex issue that depends on many factors, such as the type of gadget, how it is used, and the individual student’s learning style and habits. The overall effect depends even on the type of course which the student is attending.

Here are some ways in which gadgets can affect academic performance:

1. Distraction: Gadgets like smartphones and tablets can distract people from their main objectives, particularly if students use them for non-academic purposes during class or study time. This can lead to reduced focus and lower academic performance.
2. Improved access to information: Gadgets like laptops and tablets can give students instant access to a wealth of information, allowing them to quickly look up facts and research topics. This can enhance academic performance by helping students stay informed and up-to-date.
3. Improved organization: Gadgets like smartphones and smartwatches can help students stay organized by providing reminders, schedules, and to-do lists. This can improve academic performance by helping students manage their time and prioritize tasks.
4. Improved collaboration: Various gadgets – mainly laptops, smartphones, and tablets – can facilitate collaboration between students, allowing them to work together on projects and share information more easily. This can improve academic performance by fostering teamwork and encouraging students to learn from one another.
5. Improved engagement: If you use virtual reality headsets or augmented reality devices, these measures can create immersive learning experiences that can increase engagement and interest in academic subjects. This can improve academic performance by making learning more enjoyable and stimulating.

Students working with laptops – illustrative photo. Image credit: Annie Spratt via Unsplash, free license

How gadgets affect the academic performance of students: Scientific facts

There is a considerable amount of research on how gadgets, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, impact the academic performance of students. The findings of the studies are mixed, with some studies suggesting a negative impact, while others indicating a positive or no significant impact.

Here are some of the most recent facts from the research on how gadgets affect the academic performance of students:

1. An Indonesian study involving 240 students aged 12 to 16 years reported that 53% of children who used gadgets had difficulties in concentrating during classes.
2. The same study showed that 58% experienced changes in behavior, more towards aggressive nature, often involving arguments with parents related to the gadget use.
3. 69% of students like to use gadgets before sleep.
4. The use of gadgets before sleep was associated with frequent headaches, and vision problems.
5. Parents of 53% of the students reported a drastic fall in their children’s grades.
6. A study conducted in 2017 found a positive association between investments in information and communication technologies with increased academic performance of students.
7. A study conducted in 2018 found that mobile phone use did not have any significant effects on the students’ GPA score.
8. Another Indonesian study conducted in 2020 found that excessive use of gadgets did not significantly impact students’ academic achievements, but had deteriorating effects on their physical and psychological well-being.

Final word

To sum up, gadgets pose some risks for students but have some benefits too. To ensure that gadgets are beneficial, there must be time limits for using them. Students’ activity on the internet and how long devices are used in general must be controlled by parents.