Technology: The effect on the study habits of student

Julieta Serrano Roque

People are constantly learning – whether for school, for work, or for other reasons. Technology can help. Never in history has it been so easy to access so much information, without having to leave your home or even get up from your chair. With advances in technology, student study habits have dramatically changed. Technology has affected the way teachers present information; therefore, students are learning and studying differently. The role of professors has changed; they are no longer the dispenser of information but instead facilitate learning by providing guidelines and recommended resources.

However, many who make extensive use of technology find that they…

•have difficulty concentrating while reading

•have trouble focusing on one task at a time

What you should know

Reading

The Internet allows students to access virtually all information that is publicly available from the comfort of their homes. Once a resource has been found, they can quickly search the entire document by typing in a key word, rather than having to look in a book’s index. Mathematical calculations can also be performed on special programs, while graphs can be plotted instantly.

Some browse and scan material instead of patiently following an author’s train of thought. Skim reading is fine when you find a quick answer to a question. However, it can hinder comprehension when you need to consider a subject more deeply.

Focus

Although it’s easier to access more information, it’s also easier to become distracted from work when using technology, an affliction DAD (divided attention disorder). With the temptation to check bank balances, speak to someone on a smart phone or down load a song available in a click of a button, many students have trouble finishing essays or doing some important reading.

Some people assume that technology gives them ability to perform two tasks at a time- for example, to text friends while studying. But when their attention is divided, they may not perform either task well, especially when both require concentration. Focus requires self-discipline, but it is well worth the effort. It makes fewer mistakes and have less stress in concentrating on one thing at a time and avoid the distraction of multitasking.

What you can do

Examine your use of technology

In what ways could you use technology to enhance your studying and learning habits? Do I have trouble when reading a long section of text on a screen? What adjustments can I make so that I have adequate time to think and reflect on what I have read? What adjustment could I make so that I focus on one task at a time?

Start small by reading brief sections of text at first and then gradually increasing the amount. Read out loud, softly, to keep focused on the material. Use the last ten minutes of study to review what you have learned. Lastly, keep your study area clear of distractions so that you are not tempted to multitask.

The author

is Teacher

--oOo-

III at Nuestra Señora Del Pilar Integrated School