When used appropriately, both media and technology can positively impact school performance. Here’s a breakdown:
Positive Effects
Access to Information
Technology opens the door to various educational resources like e-books, online courses, tutorials, and research papers, which can enrich the learning experience.
Both visual and interactive experiences in the form of learning through media platforms such as YouTube or Khan Academy.
Improved Communication
These tools — emails, group chats and learning management systems (like Google Classroom) — also let students and teachers communicate with each other, allowing doubts to be cleared faster and projects to be worked on together.
Skill Development
Working on school projects with technology enhances their digital literacy, a critical skill for future jobs.
The best educational apps and software can strengthen time management, organization, and critical thinking.
Personalized Learning
Additionally, media and technology allow for personalized learning experiences through adaptive learning platforms that cater to your strengths and weaknesses.
Engagement
These make studying more enjoyable, as interactive tools and gamified learning keep students engaged and motivated.
Negative Effects
Distractions
Social media and gaming can take with it a lot of time and less focus towards schoolwork.
App notifications can be distracting when you are trying to concentrate on your studies, causing procrastination.
Reduced Sleep
Excessive technology use, particularly late at night, can influence sleep quality, and reduced sleep quality has negative consequences for concentration and memory and, therefore, academic performance.
Cheating and Overdependence
Information is readily available at your fingertips, this can result in laziness and, in turn, relieves the students and lets them even become a little dependent on the instant answers instead of nurturing problem-solving skills.
Mental Health Issues
Overuse of social media can cause stress, anxiety or low self-esteem, which can affect school achievement indirectly.
Physical Health
Extended screen time or use may lead to eye irritation, posture issues or physical inactivity, affecting well-being.
Incorporating Media and Technology Thoughtfully
Have boundaries: Schedule your social media or gaming time to the hour so you can remain focused.
Learn More with Apps: Use sites or applications like Quizlet or Duolingo or Coursera that help people learn.
Also, practice a digital detox — periodic breaks screen time for mental and physical wellness.
Watch the Sources: Adhere to academic and reliable content, avoid false information.
Balance: Integrate new technology with the traditional methods of learning for a holistic education experience.
