PROS AND CONS OF USING ELECTRONIC GADGETS FOR STUDENTS

In 2022, everything is moving toward digital media, even education to some extent. Isn't it?

When we talk about technology, the first thing that comes to mind is the means by which we access the internet, and that implies that we are talking about gadgets. Today, we can interact with friends on the other side of the globe or transfer important documents in a matter of seconds solely through technology and electronics. The same devices, meanwhile, can also cause us to become sidetracked from our work and lead us to spend hours scrolling through reels instead of working.

We can assert that there are both advantages and disadvantages to using electronic devices. So, let's talk about the role of gadgets in students' lives in this article.

For humanity, gadgets are a blessing. We have advanced tremendously ever since the emergence of gadgets. It has become a vital aspect of our current way of life. In today's world, even schools use technology to educate children. Since students need to increase their knowledge and understanding, it is crucial for teachers to use technology when educating their students. Gadgets also make it easier for teachers to educate more successfully because they pique students' interest in learning.

Despite the fact that technology is making the globe a better place to live, it is also leading to challenges. Only when these devices are utilized appropriately it has the potential to change people's lives and improve students' academic performance.

EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC GADGETS ON STUDENT’S LIVES

Let’s discuss the Pros and Cons of using electronic gadgets for students

PROS

- Gadgets encourage self-study

Today, students can easily do self-study as gadgets encourage students to learn independently with the help of technology and the internet. Students now conduct their research online and complete their assignments using internet resources. Therefore, using technology and gadgets in student’s life to enhance learning is incredibly beneficial for students.

- Connectivity and communication

Students can connect with friends or teachers more easily using gadgets to clear up doubts. Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms are now used for communication and have simplified people's lives. The student's academic performance can really increase dramatically if the use of these platforms is under parental supervision.

- Accelerate Productivity

Some tasks take an excessive amount of time to complete; with gadgets, students may complete tasks quickly and easily, making their lives easier. In this way, they maintain the drive to finish their project and save energy for the remaining assignments. For instance, if a student has to finish a math project that requires numerous computations, they can quickly go on to the next job by using an electronic calculator.

– Doing multiple tasks

With the help of gadgets, students can record the lecture and listen to the teacher later as well.  Similarly, students who are on the go can review their notes by watching videos or listening to audio recordings of the lectures. Thus, the benefits of gadgets for students are numerous.

CONS

There are many advantages to using electronic devices for students but some disadvantages overshadow the benefits, take a look.

– Compulsive gaming or smartphone addiction

Students frequently develop addictions to video games, texting, and online or telephone interaction. They are inexperienced, immature, and lose their sense of time, which causes them to misuse electronics for long periods of time. It impedes their learning capacity and distracts them from their studies. Since everything is so exciting to them, they feel like playing every game or trying out every website. Every student's schoolwork should come first, but somehow, they place more value on entertainment.

- The dearth of creativity

In their leisure time, kids used to read books, hang out with friends, or play sports, but now that they have more access to technology, they are participating less, which has made them less creative.

- Absence of Interest in Academics

More students are using electronic devices, and whether they adopt bad study habits and a lazy attitude or learn accessible information depends entirely on their attitude. Also, sometimes extreme usage of electronic gadgets causes students to lose sight of their basic knowledge as they completely rely on the internet in place of books and stop asking their teachers for help. For example, using spell checkers cause the majority of students to frequently misspell terms. This is why it is sometimes necessary to forbid the use of electronic devices in order to prevent pupils from skipping the process of mastering basic skills, critical analysis and decision-making abilities.

The above-stated points simply imply that electronic gadgets in student’s life can be immensely useful if utilized wisely or they can be completely disastrous for their development.

Now, let’s take a look at some gadgets that actually help kids in learning.

Top 5 Gadgets You Should Consider Investing in as a student

• Laptop

Students benefit greatly from having laptops for research, homework, and exams.

• A tablet

A tablet is your best bet as a backup if you can't afford to buy a laptop for your children. It is inexpensive, can be used to store other resources, and can be utilised to read textbooks online.

• Mobile device

For children to instantly access information and engage with their parents, instructors, and peers, a smartphone is crucial.

•  The smartwatch

A decent wristwatch can listen to voicemail, notify you of new emails, and measure your health in addition to other useful functions.

•  Smartpen

Both handwritten and spoken notes are recorded by a smart pen, which integrates them together for later use. Your notes or a lecture from the class can be recorded and replayed using the built-in microphone and speaker.

In conclusion, television, educational DVDs, and computer games are no more the only electronic media choices available to kids for learning.  The gadgets you chose for your child will determine what he gets out of them. To ensure that your child is secure online, do everything you can to be there when he watches, plays, and communicates. If you watch over them, they will undoubtedly use the technology in a positive way and accomplish the desired results.