Effect of Digital Gadgets in the Learning Process of School Students at Present (Extended Abstract)

2. Methodology of the Study

To prepare this research paper, primary and secondary data both have been used. Own thoughts and experiences served as primary data, while various previous research papers constituted secondary data, providing valuable insights to support my arguments. This research paper type as a qualitative approach, thereby adopting a descriptive research methodology.

3. Results and Discussion

The Positive Influence of Digital Gadgets on Students:

1. Qualitative Education: Digital gadgets have positively impacted students in various ways. With easy access to educational content, students can build deep concepts and knowledge, leading to improved academic performance and reduced dropout rates.
2. Interest: Students are enthusiastic about using digital gadgets because they can utilize them according to their needs, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.
3. Learning Resources: Digital gadgets provide students with easy access to diverse learning materials, including educational videos, audio content, digital books, and more. This enables them to quickly access the content they need.
4. Enjoyable and Motivated Learning: Digital gadgets offer various educational videos, making learning fun and interactive. This increases students’ interest and focus on learning.
5. Overcoming Academic Problems: If students face academic challenges, digital gadgets can help them easily find solutions, facilitating a better understanding of complex concepts.
6. Advanced Learning: Digital gadgets enable students to learn beyond their syllabus, exploring new topics and subjects. If teachers are unable to cover a topic due to time constraints, students can still learn it through digital means.
7. Improved Learning Outcomes: By providing quality education, digital gadgets can enhance learning outcomes. With better learning programs, students can improve academically and professionally, achieving superior results.”
8. Data analysis: Gadgets help teachers track student progress, identify knowledge gaps, and adjust instruction accordingly.
9. Increased Accessibility: Gadgets make learning accessible to students with disabilities, remote or rural students, and those with conflicting schedules.

Negative Effects of Gadget Usage:

1. Negative Effects on Health: Excessive gadget use causes health damage, including weakness from prolonged sitting, eye strain, ear problems, and mental health issues (Aldimasi et al., 2018).
2. Mental Stress: Students’ focus on gadgets increases mental stress due to the lack of physical activity, leading to depression in some cases.
3. Social Isolation: Spending too much time on gadgets leads to increased social isolation, decreased student interaction, and disengagement from society.
4. Disconnection from the Natural Environment: Children’s excessive social media use disconnects them from nature, hindering their ability to appreciate and contribute to the environment (Firmansyah et al., 2023).
5. Loss of Self-Control: Students’ excitement about gadgets decreases self-control, as they get distracted by notifications and indulge in non-educational content (Zain et al., 2022).
6. Cyber bullying: Indirect involvement in society through gadgets makes students vulnerable to cyber bullying through social media comments, leading to mental distress.
7. Lack of Practical Skills: Overuse of gadgets results in a lack of practical skills, such as handwriting, counting, and spatial awareness (Tambunan & Batubara, 2020).
8. Dependence on Technology: Gadgets create dependence on technology, inhibiting independent thinking and learning, and making students reliant on technology.
9. Neglect of Vedic Education: The modern focus on gadgets neglects the traditional Vedic education goal of attaining Absolute Consciousness, manifesting spiritual and moral strength in individuals.
10. Effect on verbal communication: Toronto, Canada found that children who play with gadgets for an additional 30 min each time could face the risk of speech delay by 49%.

3.1 Role of the Teacher to Use Gadgets

If a school teacher conducts a special class on the proper use of digital tools, provides proper guidance to the students, and demonstrates how to avoid misusing digital gadgets, the students will benefit greatly. Through these special classes, students will understand where they are going wrong in any field and will be able to overcome their own mistakes by recognizing their errors. By learning the proper use of digital gadgets from their teachers, students can improve their studies and develop themselves in various fields of education with the help of ICT and digital tools. Since students are mostly directly involved with the school, teachers should be aware of these positive and negative factors so that they can do their best to protect students from negative influences.

3.2 Significance of the Study

The significance of this article lies in examining the effects of using digital gadgets or technology, and raising awareness among teachers, students, and school administration. Students are becoming detached from Vedic practices, losing control over their daily lives, and disconnecting from society. By analyzing these negative aspects, school teachers should be aware of how to help students use digital gadgets effectively, providing a better lifestyle and guiding them towards a better life strategy. Student Awareness: Students should be aware of how these gadgets impact their lives and use them judiciously, aligning with their individual needs or educational requirements. Teacher Awareness: Teachers should be aware of the positive and negative effects of using digital gadgets and provide guidance to students on their effective use, leading to better student outcomes. Administration Awareness: The school administration should present these topics through extra classes, ensuring that every teacher informs and monitors the negative effects of using digital gadgets, enabling students to use them responsibly.