The influence of technology and
social networking on students of today has been heavily increasing throughout
the decades. A study has shown that a staggering 96 percent of students own
some type of device, whether it be a mobile phone, laptop or a tablet;
therefore, clearly there is a demand for the use of technology (Kobus). If
almost every student on campus has a device, are they using them specifically
just for their studies? Probably not, just as technological use has grown
rapidly over the last decade, so has the use of social media networks.
Consequently, we might ask ourselves, if the influence of technology is
inhibiting or allowing students of today to thrive?
There has been much controversy over
the issue of the use of technology and social networking by students. As a
benefit, different media elements and devices are increasing the communication
not only by peers but also from teacher to student. On the other hand, some
students are solely focused on different social networks and their technology,
and basically wasting vital time that could be used to increase their academic
status. Overall, it has been debated whether these new forms of both
entertainment and knowledge are either taking away the students attention from
their work, or is it creating for a more proficient environment?
On one hand, the influence of
different media and technology creates a very beneficial environment for
students of today. Many universities are beginning to offer online classes,
therefore creating more flexibility in scheduling for students and also an
increase of student enrollment in classes. “From
the rise of “e-learning” and web-based instruction, to online libraries and
research tools, to computer-mediated student–professor interaction, college
students today negotiate many aspects of their academic lives online.” (Jones).
With the guidance of technology, students have the ability to research more
proficiently online, compared to students of the past. Also, students are able
to communicate via many different networks, not only is this making it easier
for students to work together on projects, or even peer-editing; but it gives
instructors the ability to also readily communicate with their various classes
even after class time.
Technology as a whole not only can
be seen as making students lives easier and more proficient, but studies have
shown to even increase engagement. Technology has increased engagement through
class participation, less class absences, an increase in completed assignments
and even higher academic achievement (Carle). Many classes of today constantly
use some type of technological media, such as power points, online podcasts,
clicker quizzes in class in order to engage students more so than in the past.
Overall, technology and other media elements clearly can enhance learning and
the understanding of many different subjects if used correctly and
thoughtfully.
On the other hand, technology and
social networking can become a heavy burden on students. In some cases, some
students spend time that could be spent on studying and other aspects of
student life, on social media or just their technology itself. The over obsession with different devices can
become overwhelming and the attention of some students is wasted away. There
are many different elements that go into the reasoning behind the preoccupation
of technology, and they are greatly affecting many students academic
competency, their time management skills and different preparations for
studying (Paul). Overall, the aspect of technology can become a burden if the student’s
attention is not controlled, and academic performance can suffer due to the
lack of time spent studying rather than on different types of social media.
By students putting more emphasis on their time on social
networks, they are creating bad habits that many students have trouble
breaking. Therefore, many universities are creating different time management
classes, such as speed-reading courses, or even online calendar seminars
(Paul). These additional courses could all be avoided if students used
technology efficiently to begin with, instead now some students not only have
to go through their typical classes, but also have to take other classes to
teach themselves to focus. In summary, if technology and certain social
networking activities are not managed, some students’ addictions may spiral out
of control.
Overall, the
use of technology and social networking can have two very dissimilar affects. Some
students have the ability to balance their schoolwork and social networking,
while on the other hand social media can take over a young adults attention and
inhibits them from being academically proficient. Technology has allowed for
the ease of communication not only through social networking websites such as
Facebook and Twitter, but also different academic websites in which instructors
can post announcements and other resources directly to students at any given
time. With the increase of technology and the use of social networking, some
students may become lost within all of the additional activities that are
readily available on the internet that can cause a lack of focus on their
academics. In conclusion, technology and social networking as a whole is both
beneficial and vital to students of today, and it can either be burdensome or
cause many students to flourish.
