How Technology Usage May Affect Your Academics

As we all know, technology is a part of nearly all students’ lives, encompassing a massive list of devices from phones and laptops to online platforms that allow students to interact with their teachers to complete classwork and homework.

On the positive side, technology allows students to engage in a better, more “hands-on” type of learning. Through apps, education sites, and study platforms, students gain access to an unlimited amount of information. They can efficiently finish projects and communicate through approved and safeguarded websites (e.g., Schoology, Remind, Teams). Furthermore, technology benefits their lifestyle while also including school-related uses. For example, students use digital calendars to keep on schedule with all their tests, assignments, sports, and practices. They can also practice skills on various websites and apps that may correlate to jobs they may have in the future. In many ways, technology has a positive outcome.

However, at the same time, the technology that helps most students can actually distract them and throw them off course. Some examples of these distractions are social media apps (e.g., TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram), mobile video games, and constant notifications from friends that often compete for attention. These distractions reduce students’ focus and cause them to lose track of what they may be learning in class. Studies have shown that heavy multitasking with devices can hurt and may decrease students’ academic performance.

While some have argued that certain students can multitask, the most important thing is balance. Students who learn to manage screen time and maintain discipline in their usage can prevent these distractions from throwing them off track and dropping their academic performance.