Overview
Use of certain technological devices at inappropriate times during class and even after school can greatly distract students from learning. Today, students are so entranced by their mobile and computer devices that they sometimes place social media updates above schoolwork on their list of priorities. Technology is largely praised for its entertainment factor and students are especially drawn to this feature. Over usage of technology can detract students from studying and it may even affect their ability to socialize. In class, non-class related usage of technology may cause students to miss important portions of instruction which in turn, can hinder performance levels.
Forms of Distraction
Computers |
Other |
When students are given time to use computers for research and other tasks, they frequently visit irrelevant sites. Unless there is some sort of restriction on sites, students have the ability to use this computer time as an opportunity to check Facebook or watch YouTube. At home, computer games and social media sites may hinder learning because it can interfere with a student’s studying schedule.
iPadsWhen given iPads during class, rather than staying on task, students often get distracted and start playing games or surfing the web.
Cell PhonesUsing class time to check their phones can pose as a great distraction to student learning. This cellphone usage could include playing games, chatting with friends, reading blogs, or updating social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter etc.).
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Students who are on task often get distracted by those who are not. These students often get caught up helping others get caught up in school work that they miss instructions themselves.
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Demographics
A third of 6,000 students in Quebec admitted that they used their iPads to play games during school hours. 99% of the students surveyed said they found the gadgets distracting. (Oliveira, 2013)
Students spend over 76 percent of their time on iPads outside of the classroom on social activities, amusement, and other recreational uses (Oliveira, 2013) A survey of 777 students in the U.S. showed that 80% of respondents found that non-related use of technological devices caused them to pay less attention in the classroom and miss instruction (McCoy, 2013) |
“Digital technologies created an easily distracted generation with short attention spans” “Educators are discovering that students are more interested in online resources, such as Facebook, game sites, chat, and YouTube, than classroom lectures and textbook chapters about computer science and other subjects.” The Distraction of Technology in the ClassroomDigital Distractions |