Technology is like a double-edged sword for students. It can help if used properly, but it can also be one of the biggest disturbing factors in studying. Recent studies have shown that social media can affect students up to developing depression, anxiety and stress as they compare their own lives and competencies to what they see on the apps they’re using. From this perspective, social media can threaten students’ behaviors and will to study, which is why it should be approached carefully. Teachers and parents might also have to be wary of the psychological effects of social media.
Regardless of these aspects, using smartphones and computers helps one learn more efficiently and entertainingly. Apps, software solutions and other similar tools can encourage collaboration, accommodate students to multiple learning styles as well as make students more engaged.
Let’s see how students can use digital tools to boost their grades more smoothly.
Enhancing practical learning skills
Students must attend lectures to grasp all the information, but sometimes they might need additional digital support to thoroughly acknowledge what they’re learning. This way, they can learn more practical skills that will shape the set of their qualities in the future. For example, digital literacy is necessary for today’s dynamics, which is why using mobile devices, social media platforms and the internet to communicate and convey information will help familiarize us with future issues.
At the same time, problem-solving, speed reading, writing and communication are skills that every young adult needs to control because of how the world is shaped at the moment. Technology rules and will develop even more, so they must prepare to face all future challenges. Luckily, these devices are widely available and affordable, and they currently help thousands of kids develop practical learning skills.
Fostering collaboration
Technology brings us together, and we’ve seen during the pandemic. Since then, more hybrid and online classes have been available since they help complete the learning process. At the same time, affordable tuition programs are available and provide more flexibility for both students and parents. Digital tools and applications help share information more quickly so students can collaborate more efficiently on projects, contests and other scholarly activities.
Fostering collaboration through technology is possible when everyone is on the same page. This means that students and professors need a certain level of digital literacy. Otherwise, the studying process will be hindered by time lost on performing all the tasks and figuring out how everything works on platforms and apps. Collaboration between students and teachers through technology helps expand knowledge and leverage a safe place to ask questions, making the shyest break out of their shells.
Improving time management
Managing time is one of the most underrated skills and is usually seen as a skill that everyone has. Unfortunately, students are not that able to handle their time and tasks properly, leading to stress and poor grades. But organizing tasks and setting up a decent timetable is the secret to success and good grades. With a calm mind and enough time for studying and other activities, a significant change can occur in a student’s learning path.
Time tracking apps are available all over the internet to improve time management as a student. They provide the option to set a learning goal and track progress effectively, which considerably helps in the studying process. A tracking app can also provide insight into studying patterns and consistency so that students can make small changes in their learning styles where needed. Tracking apps are available in different designs and provide certain features which can help even the pickiest students organize their time with the perfect digital tool.
Leveraging virtual reality
Another interesting technology leverage is using virtual reality in some areas that need a broader understanding. For example, geography is one of the sectors in which AR breaks the monotony from textbook learning and enhances curiosity. Upgrading to VR lessons instead of traditional ones is necessary because the educational system must cope with the changes in children’s ways of learning.
As generations are provided with technology more from the early stages of life, the whole dynamic of looking for a job and being valued for certain skills also changes, which is why VR is an essential upgrade for the educational system.
Regardless, virtual reality allows for greater insight into the concepts learned and provides a better sense of place, visual learning and scaling learning experiences. Some examples of such activities include virtual field trips, distance learning, internships and group learning.
Personalizing the learning experience
Four main types of learning styles shape the learning experience: visual, auditory, reading and kinesthetic. Although, in most cases, they’re blended, and students can grasp information in different ways, others have only one or two of these learning styles, which is why technology needs to ply their needs.
For every way of learning something new, there’s a digital solution that can be introduced in classes by teachers or used by students when studying at home:
- For students who prefer visual learning, many photos, diagrams and other visual explanations in bright colors and engagingly made are available all over the internet;
- For those who retain information through hearing, audio lessons are provided, mostly in literature, where books are recorded; this way, they can remember a book’s summary more efficiently;
- Students who like to read and write for studying can use Kindle as well as online apps for taking notes as they don’t require as much paper and also offer more personalization options;
- For students who are hands-on and need to analyze anything, AR and VR provide an insightful studying process;
Bottom line
Technology is one of the best things humans control, which is why it can be used to leverage benefits. For students, using technology can boost grades if used correctly and consciously. Still, parents need to be wary of social media effects and try to guide them towards a safer path and a better learning process. There should be a balance between using technology for school and social media so kids can grow and adapt to current changes healthily.
Originally posted 2023-06-12 14:50:24.