Are Mobile Devices Helpful or Harmful for Learning?

posted on Feb 21, 2019

There are over billions of people around the world who have access to mobile devices, and, surveys have suggested that by this year, the use of mobile devices is going to rise over seven billion. In today’s situation, the use of mobile devices has not just remained limited to adults. If you take a look around, you will find how widespread the use of mobile devices has become among the young generation, especially small children. Try talking to a child about how to use a particular mobile device, and you will see how much information about its functionalities and uses that tiny tot will endow you with.

We, at Gurukul The School, understand that this breeds a fundamental question of how far these mobile devices are affecting the learning capabilities and academic excellence of the students. To delve more into the agenda, we have seen that there are two major sides to this debate. While we have seen that a group of parents are strictly against letting their kids near any form of mobile devices, on the other hand, another group holds firm that there is no harm in letting children use their mobile devices occasionally. To understand both of these sides, let us dig deeper into the matter of the use of mobile devices and their effects on children.

Mobile Devices as an Aid to Learning

Many believe that keeping children entirely away from the use of any mobile device is like putting them at a disadvantage in this highly technologically advanced world of ours. The internet access available on all mobile devices opens up a world of information in front of the curious young minds looking to venture beyond the chapters and lessons of the textbooks. It exposes them to a world of creative concepts that helps to bring them out of their bubble and take them a step closer to being the global citizens.

Besides, the access to social media offers a great way for the students to share ideas, thoughts, and information on various subjects. Even the shyer and quieter children get a chance to blossom and interact with their peers through various social media platforms. Also, when it comes to evaluating the impact of mobile devices on learning, a mention must be made of the countless learning apps and platforms that offer a chance for the students to test out their knowledge and learn in-depth about the chapters taught in class.

Mobile Devices as a Bane to Learning

The thing about the usage of mobile devices is that when not used in the right manner, the mobile devices can end up doing more harm than good. The social media platforms are good only so long as they are used for the sharing of constructive ideas and thoughts. However, the problem arises when these become a platform for cybercrimes and bullying, taking the concentration of the young minds away from their studies. Moreover, the unreasonable pressure of staying relevant and updated in the world of social media not just takes the focus away from the academics but also breeds anxiety and apprehension.

It is also worth mentioning that not all the information available on the internet is suited for the young ones when they are still in their formative years, learning and unlearning new ideas about the world every day. Besides, we have also noted a growing attraction towards video and multiplayer games among the children, which makes them more concerned about beating the top score in that latest game, rather than, getting better marks in the next test.

We, at Gurukul The School, one among the Top Five Schools in Ghaziabad, firmly believe that the mobile devices can only be helpful for our young ones if they are allowed to use it under adult supervision. It is hence crucial that parents do sit and discuss with the children the effects of mobile devices and their usage on the young minds to help the kids get into the habit of aptly using the technology early on their lives. With the constant mentoring and supervision from the adults, we are assured that the mobile devices can only aid the budding geniuses in further advancement of their learning.