center0University of BahrainCollege of Information TechnologyENGL 219 – Technical Report WritingThe Impact of Using Applications and Electronic Devices on Student LearningName:MuntahaAlkhalidy– Aisha Mohammed AlyassiID:20151657– 20156616Sec: 04Submitted on: 10thMay, 2018Submitted to: Dr.
YuliaVorobevaContent pageHeadings Page numberIntroduction.…………………………………………………… 31. Use electronic devices to learn..…………………………….
..41.2. Definition of electronic devices………………………….41.3. Positive effects of electronic devices.
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4. Negative effects of electronic devices….……….
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…..62. Use applications to learn………….
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1. Definition of applications ………………………..
..……..7 2.2. Types of applications for students……………….
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.…..72.3. Positive effects of applications in learning………
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Negative effects of applications in learning…..……
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..113. Reason today’s students need technology in the classroom………………………………………………..….
.….13Conclusion…………………………………………………..
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14References ……………………………………….……….….….
15Introduction:Technology is such a big part of the world as we know it today, and the tools used these days to develop our way of living have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Electronics are used to improve the ability of a person in completing a task and can be used in many fields, such as the educational sector.The purpose of this report is to define the impact of using electronic devices and applications on student learning and the objectives of this report is to define the definition of using electronic devices and applications on education and why students need technology especially in the classroom.
The structure of the report is as follows. The first section defines the definition of using electronic devices on learning and the positive and negative impact of electronic devices. The second part focuses on the definition of using applications and the positive and negative impact of applications on student learning, either in classroom or outdoor learning.The last section presents the reasons students need technology in the classroom. Everything in life has both positive and negative aspects, therefore it is impossible to a band on the use of applications and technology because of its negative side.Use electronic devices to learn1.2.
Definition of electronic devicesUsing electronic devices in education has become relevant.Laptops and mobile phones is an example of electronic devices that are used as a learning tool for students, either in a classroom or externally when typing notes and helping students to learn easily and quickly, thus enhancing their level of creativity. Both teachers and students use devices to complete their specific work. For teachers, to create graphics illustrations which helps students to learn faster, and for students,to type their notes and read about the topic explained in the classroom.
But it could have either a positive effect on their learning or negative effect, if it not used for learning purposes.1.3. Positive effects of electronic devices1.
3.1. Academic improvementsDespite the effects that technology has on academic achievements being under debate, some writersagree that technology can help improve anything from reading and comprehension skills to content-area learning.1.3.2. PortabilityWith technology being integrated, all materials can now be accessed anywhere atany time.
This provides users with online storage that can be accessed easily. One of the tools resulting from the integration of technology mentioned by Kurzweil Blog Team 1 is being able to access books and articles via tablets, e-readers and other portable devices.1.3.3. ModernityTechnology allows learning students, throughout their educational life, to prepare for the future, and for this reason, it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom.Given technology is rapidly evolving, any changes should parallel with teachers’ lesson plans and learning techniques. “By learning to use technology in the classroom at a young age, children are developing the skills and knowledge that is essential in today’s world,” Kurzweil Blog Team 1:1.
1.3.4. Skills and technicalityThe use of electronics in class on a regular basis helps the student gain technical skills and confidence around computers which can be used in their daily lives as noted by the writer Carrie Perles, that students with skilled, technical know-how can go on to use this knowledge outside of class as well.1.3.5.
Role of the lecturerIn a technology based classroom, a teacher will be able to play the role of facilitator rather than dispense information, which gives them the opportunity to engage the students to learn actively.1.3.6. Additional resourcesAccording to Kurzweil Blog Team 1, integrating technology gives the students additional resources such as educational applications, videos and a nearly endless supply of information which promotes 24/7 learning.1.4 .
Negative effect of electronic devices1.4.1. Student distractionTechnology offers students immediate access to information easily,but it also offers a distraction for students.
B.Fisher shows that 75% of the studentsspent their time on activities that is out of lecture, such as text messaging, social networking and games on devices.1.4.2. Limited learningTechnology offers various applications that students can use to improve their work, however, as T.
Smithee mentions “they might spend more time and effort on the presentation than researching the subject, and complete the project knowing very little about the subject”.1.4.3. CostAccording to T. Smithee 2, providing laptops for all students is a significant cost for any school, also there are other costs such as maintaining networks, the computers and continuously upgrading the hardware and software.2.
Use applicationsto learn2.1 Definition of applicationsAn application is a designed program by users to perform many tasks and it maybe designed specifically to handle a particular device or whole devices. There aremany different kinds of applications and a user can create an application by usingapplications. Writing, reading, recording, playing, chatting, watching videos ormovies, programming and processing are examples of types of applications.2.2. Types of applications for studentsL.
Tucker4 considered that there are many types of applications (apps) which are useful in the classroom environment and these can make a student’s life much easier. For example, applications for translating, recording, videos and pictures, as well as applications for planning and scheduling and many more.2.2.1. Lecture Capturing ApplicationsLecture capture apps are one of most helpful applications available in today’s university environment. They let a student to record and then play back lectures at a later time, thus allowing the student to spend more time listening while in the lecture hall rather than writing copious pages of notes. In addition, the development of new multifaceted technologies continues to make learning easier as the student can record on a single device, therefore eliminating the need to spend extra money on expensive ‘recording only’ gadgets.
One of these applications is Sound Note. It is a notepad and audio recorder in one which means it permits a student to record in a visible and audio form. The other application is called Office Lena.This application is vitally important for a student these days as it allows a student to take a picture of information on a whiteboard and then converts it to a PDF file or a Microsoft office program.
Also this data can be saved and shared on OneDrive. In addition, there are many different programs with same function like Lecture Capture, Notes Plus and The Voice Recorder.2.
2.2. Revision ApplicationsThe revision application is an important application for student. The student can create a selection of card sets for revision or they can use it to test themselves using StudyBlue. But, if you want to connect and interact with friends or other students then you can use GoConqr. This application also creates notes, exams and revision plans or intellect plans.2.
2.3. Exam Preparation ApplicationsNowadays a lot of examinations are conducted directly online. Because of this, there are many applications which allow a student to prepare for an exam. Students can find and share examples of old tests, quizzes and questions with each other globally.
One of these applications is called BenchPrep.2.2.4. Planner ApplicationsTimetable, My Class Schedule or Class Timetable are examples of a planning applications.
Students can now organize time to study using a scheduled format. These applications help students to organize their timetable and make a plan to allocate sufficient exam preparation time. It can also act as a reminder of the exam timetable. 2.
2.5. Translator ApplicationsOne of the most important issues for a student is to understand every word when they study.
A translating application is extremely helpful ensuring a word or sentence is understood, no matter what language is used. The most recognized application used nowadays for translating is ‘Google Translate’. There are many translation books available such as the Oxford English Dictionary. These days due to the development of technology, publishers such as Oxford University Press also provide an online version of a hard copy book using a translation application. 2.2.6.
Wake-up ApplicationsIt may be worthy of note to consider the use of ‘Wake Up’ applications for students. Sleeping time can be a problem for students when they have to study for end of term exams or complete an assignment on time. Students mostly wakeup early in order to arrive on time to class. The use of ‘Wake Up’ applications helps to keep a student organized, on time and committed to their specific study plan. A clock or alarm is an example of a ‘Wake Up’ application.2.3. Positive effects of applications in learning2.
3.1. Cost:One of the biggest challenges for today’s students is study expenses. It is a well-known fact that a considerable number of students need to arrange private classes which is an additional expense. Unfortunately, many students are unable to take extra tutorials due to the added cost. Therefore applications can solve this issue as they are cheap and often free 3.
2.3.2. Diversity of applications:When students are looking for information from applications, the topic can be specific to the subject or general. When researching specific topics, they can find applications that act exactly for the topic, such as, if a student sought a solution regarding a math problem, they can find helpful applications which solve equations, or if they are just looking for anything which is related to education, they can pinpoint many useful applications 3.
2.3.3.
Saving time:Using applications for learning saves time as an application can solve the most complex question or questions in a very short period of time. When a teacher has knowledge of an application or applications, they can guide the student in the right direction, thus enabling them to identify which parts require clarification, instead of re-explaining everything again in detail. Re-explaining wastes hours of valuable lecture time if the student has already understood certain parts 3. 2.3.4.
Multiple learning methods:Integrating e-learning applications into the classroom contributes to providing different ways of learning and also makes learning more interesting. A student has the prerogative of choosing numerous ways of learning. This helps encourage students to discover and experience learning in a way that best suits them. Multiple learning methods allow students to use different applications depending on their personal choices 3.
2.3.5. Co-operation:Co-operating enables both students and teachers to communicate relatively easily these days.
Having immediate access to each other via multiple devices permits a prompt response anywhere at any time, within reason. Even students with special needs or students with health issues can cooperate without embarrassment. For example, Learn Braille Alphabet Application and Smart Oral Motor Application 3.2.
4. Negative effects of applications in learning2.4.1. Distraction:Devices contain many different kinds of applications, not all of them useful in teaching. This is one of issues for teachers and parents.
Where the students can be busy with chatting or sharing personal information and distracted with other applications 3.2.4.2. Substitute teachersTechnologicaland applications development directly impacts teacher’s jobs therefore reducing the need for a considerable number of education workers.
In agriculture and agricultural fields they substitute the laborers for machines and that is evidenced by a downturn in teachers in the education field. This issue is still a controversial phenomenon 3.2.4.3. Access to applications outdoorMost schools these days provide availability of both the internet and devices for students in the classrooms, but what about outside? Not all students have availability to devices or the internet or even access through it to applications. Maybe they can go to the library, but not all devices have the application they may belooking for.
Even if they download an application, maybe there is no internet on it. In addition, not everyone has the validity to access applications,so that is one of the problems which needs a solution, especially if they have homework which requires an application to solve it 3.2.4.
4. PlagiarismApplications can provide students with ready-made reports, projects and solutions for many equations making it easier for a student to copy it and harder for teachers to know if it is really their work or if they just plagiarized it. Knowing that there are applications readily available for teachers to check if the students just copy it, or paraphrase it, can be somewhat helpful 3.2.4.5.
Peculiarity policyRegistration in the program requires the insertion of personal data. This is considered a risk as many applications are not protected and unsafe for storing personal information. In addition, teachers may use some applications for saving and storing grades and student data however this can be hacked and that is unacceptable to both students and teachers 3.Reasons Today’s Students needing Technology in the Classroom3.1. Preparing for the futureBy using technological tools such as an electronic whiteboards and web pages, and also utilizing the skill that’s learnt in class, will prepare the student for working and facing the world5.3.2.
Accessing information more easilyStudents can find information very quickly and easily by using devices and also by watching educational videos; the students can get immediate help anytime and anywhere without needing the teachers.3.3. Improves communication between teachers and studentsTechnology now provides instant communication between teachers and students even out of lecture, and also with classmates for sharing notes, or all important points that taken in the lecture5.3.4.
ResponsibilityTechnology helps students to be responsible through searching about what they need or what the teachers need, and that will help the students to improve their skills.Conclusion: “There’s no right or wrong side of this debate. Educational technology has its plusses and minuses. It’s up to teachers, administrators, and district personnel to decide whether the good outweighs the bad.”3:1.Electronic devices can be used in the education system. Through their techniques, they can provide many benefits to the learning process, and provide a new experience for traditional classroom learning as well as lifelong learning outside these classrooms. The proper application of the e-learning system requires many things.
These are not limited to material, such as infrastructure, but also to human resources in the service of education. It is evident that the use of electronic devices with apps is important for students nowadays. Continuous use of it can help students freely improve their studies, emphasizing a much more positive state of mind towards education overall.
It is expected that in the future, traditional learning will be replaced by e-learning, replacing books with electronic devices and using applications for all materials and examinations. In addition, education may become without necessary for classrooms to be outdoor anytime and everywhere.References1 Kurzweil Blog Team. “5 Positive Effects Technology Has on Teaching ; Learning.” Internet:https://blog.kurzweiledu.
com/2015/02/12/5-positive-effects-technology-has-on-teaching-learning/, Feb. 12, 2015 April 15,2018.2 T. Smithee. “Negative Effects of Using Technology in Today’s Classroom.
” Internet: http://techin.oureverydaylife.com/negative-effects-using-technology-todays-classroom-1549.html.
3 A. Ronan(2017, January ).” The Pros and Cons of Technology” Edudemic connecting Education &learning.online Available: http://www.edudemic.
com/technology-pros-cons /April 8, 20184 L.Tucker “Most Helpful App for Students” . Internet: https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/most-helpful-apps-students , Oct 12,2016 April 8, 20185 F.
Under. “7 Reasons Why Students Need Technology in the Classroom.”Internet: https://explorance.com/2016/06/7-reasons-students-need-technology-classroom/June 6, 2016 May 3,2018.
