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Gabriel Manyeruke
SMARTPHONES have become an essential part of our lives, providing us with constant access to information, communication and entertainment.
When it comes to learners using smartphones in school, this can pose a number of challenges that have to be addressed.
The use of smartphones by learners at school can be disruptive and detrimental to their academic performance.
Smartphones can be a distraction in the classroom. Learners can lose focus as they engage in non-educational activities such as texting, browsing social media sites, playing games or watching videos.
This can result in reduced attention span, decreased productivity and poor academic outcomes.
Additionally, the use of smartphones can also contribute to issues such as cyberbullying, cheating and privacy concerns.
Learners may use their phones to bully or harass their peers online, share inappropriate content or cheat in tests and assignments by accessing answers through artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT.
With the ability to access the internet during exams or quizzes, unscrupulous learners may be tempted to cheat, undermining the integrity of the education system.
Furthermore, the constant use of smartphones by learners can negatively affect learners’ mental health and well-being as excessive screen time has been linked to issues like anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.
To mitigate these risks, many schools have implemented policies restricting smartphone use during learning hours.
Some schools require learners to keep their smartphones in their lockers or backpacks during lessons, while others have banned use of these gadgets altogether.
These policies are aimed at reducing distractions, promoting a focused learning environment and preventing misuse of phones for non-educational purposes.
However, there are still ways that learners can make use of smartphones at school to enhance their educational experience.
Learners can use their gadgets to access online resources such as e-books, articles and research databases.
This can be helpful for learners who may not have access to a physical library or who need to supplement their learning experience with additional resources.
Smartphones can also be used as a tool for communication and collaboration.
Learners can use messaging apps to discuss schoolwork with their classmates, collaborate on group projects or communicate with their teachers. This can help foster a sense of community and teamwork among learners.
Also, learners can utilise smartphones at school by using educational apps.
There is a plethora of apps available that can help them with everything — from studying for exams to learning a new language. By incorporating these apps into their daily routine, schoolchildren can make learning more interactive and engaging.
In conclusion, it is important for all learners to use their smartphones responsibly at school.
They should be mindful of their teachers’ rules and guidelines regarding phone usage, and should not use their gadgets in a way that disrupts the learning environment.
By using smartphones strictly for educational purposes and avoiding distractions, learners can make the most of this valuable tool in their academic pursuits.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: 0774122288 or [email protected]
Online Reporter