The debate IOWA future over whether or not all students need a mobile device is heating up in Australia. Some educational institutes have banned the use of mobile devices in class, while others have suggested that parents should be allowed to bring them. In New South Wales, for example, the government has banned the use of cellphones in primary schools. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that technology should not make children uncomfortable. Still, others disagree.
According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive and Pearson, all students in the U.S. should own a mobile device. Having one is a great convenience, but it is also a great way to keep track of assignments. Most learners use their mobile to check grades, stay in touch with professors, complete digital readings, view videos, and take part in discussion forums. These reasons make sense, given the nature of smartphones. They give students greater connectivity.
In July of 2012, 58 percent of American children aged 13-17 owned a smartphone. Over 50 percent of mobile phone users in America use a smartphone. The advantages of smartphones include their ease of use, access to the internet, and a multitude of education-friendly apps. The devices are easy to take anywhere, making them an invaluable tool for student learning. They also provide teachers with the flexibility to monitor and assess the behavior of students.
In addition to providing the freedom to carry the device, it allows teachers to create questions, and students answer them by texting in their answers. This information is then compiled and analyzed by a website. With all this flexibility, mobile devices help schools to overcome the problems of large classrooms and improve productivity. They also allow students to communicate with their teachers directly, and make the backpack obsolete. There are even apps that can help students manage their time, and students are learning time management skills through their mobile devices.
The importance of a mobile device in education is no doubt emphasized by the fact that it enables students to work collaboratively. In an age when school shootings are a staple of the news cycle, the use of a mobile device in school helps to alleviate the pressure on school officials and parents. It also allows students to contact friends and family members even if they are away from home, allowing teachers to concentrate on other aspects of the school.
In addition to students with visible disabilities, there are many others who use a mobile device to take notes or access assistive technologies. As the number of people with invisible disabilities grows, it is vital to provide access to these devices in higher education settings. By providing all students with devices, schools will be able to avoid the issue of single-handedly dismissing students with needs that are important to their education. The benefits of such devices in higher education are immeasurable.
In 2019, World Scientific News published a study on the impact of cell phones on student learning. Of the 274 students surveyed, 36.5% reported that mobile phones help them learn and facilitate information exchange between peers. On the flip side, students are also more likely to face difficulties in using mobile devices in the classroom due to distractions, uptraining, and failed multitasking. So, how can educators use these devices to benefit all students?
