Naomi Branch

Delaware State University has provided students with the technology needed to allot them the best learning environment possible. However, the presence of cell phones within a learning environment  will almost have a negative affect on students.

It is common knowledge that one of the most common distractors in classrooms are cell phones. Educators are in constant battle with the devices and their students. Research conducted by journalist, David Nield, yields that when phones or laptops were allowed in a lecture hall, final exam performance dropped by as much as 5 percent on average, or half a grade – even for those students who didn’t actually use a device.

However, educators are beginning to incorporate the use of cell phones into their lessons and teaching methods. “70% of learners felt more motivated when training on a mobile device, as opposed to a computer,” according to Learn Dash. Allowing students to use their mobile devices when in the classroom prompted students to perform better.

Sophomore, Geligne Franklin, agrees with the concept of allowing the use of cell phones within the classroom. ‘When professors listen to the things students suggest it really gets us excited to learn. I think in high school having phones in classrooms may not be effective, but since we have matured and moved to higher education, we all see the importance of finding ways to make learning easier.”

Teachers adapting to the use of modern technology will allow for a better learning environment. Traditional learning has been effective, but catering to each student’s individualized methods for learning will produce better results when it comes to students’ grades.

A study conducted by journalist Matt Powell explains that Smartphone learners complete course material 45% faster than those using a computer. This helps express that using devices other than computers, which are associated with traditional learning methods, will yield more efficient classroom environments.

Balancing a social life while also being a full time college student will have its negative effects. Franklin agrees “Being far from home will have you feeling alone and isolated; so communicating with friends and family whenever you can will feel like a privilege but can also become a distraction.” She added, “If you’re in class and that’s your only opportunity to talk to your mom that day, of course you’re going to give your phone your attention, which will make you miss out on whatever is being taught.”

Cell phone usage in classrooms can easily be taken advantage of; but when students are disciplined and are given clear tasks, the idea of using their device to complete an assignment is not as outlandish of an idea as before.

The Student Pulse Survey from Top Hat, conducted by independent research firm Survata, found that 94 percent of students want to use their cellphones for educational tasks when in the classroom.

Students attempting to divide their attention between their cell phone and learning will suffer great academic loss. When the two are combined, and when students have guidance, a positive performance will be the product of the lesson.