Impact of smartphone for better academic achievement of secondary students

Introduction:
Smartphones have revolutionized the way people communicate, information, and interact
with the world. Introduced in the late 20th century as an evolution of mobile phones,
smartphones have since become indispensable tools in the modern era. With the advent of
devices like the IBM Simon in 1992 and later iconic models such as the iPhone in 2007,
smartphones have continuously integrated advanced features that merge the functionalities of
traditional phones with those of computers. Today, these handheld devices are not merely
communication tools; they are hubs of personal and professional activity. The widespread
adoption of smartphones has been fueled by their versatility.
Equipped with high-speed internet, touchscreens, GPS, cameras, and access to an endless array
of applications, smartphones have become essential for education, business, entertainment, and
social interaction. According to Statista, the number of smartphone users globally reached
approximately 7 billion in 2023, highlighting their ubiquity in daily life. Such penetration is
largely attributed to advancements in technology, affordability, and the growing reliance on
digital connectivity in the educational sector, smartphones have brought about transformative
changes. They provide students with access to e-books, research articles, online courses, and
collaborative tools, enabling learning beyond the traditional classroom. However, the impact of
smartphones is not without challenges. Concerns such as overuse, distraction, and dependency
raise questions about their implications on productivity and mental well-being. For instance,
studies have shown that excessive smartphone use can lead to decreased attention spans,
increased stress levels, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Concepts of smart phones:
A smartphone is a mobile phone that integrates advanced features such as internet connectivity,
email, GPS navigation, and mobile applications (Hyman, 2013). The first smartphone, the IBM
Simon, was released in 1994 (IBM, 1994). However, it was not until the introduction of the
Apple iPhone in 2007 that smartphones became mainstream (Apple, 2007).A Smart phone May
be thought of as a hand held computer integrated within a mobile telephone.It features a
touchscreen interface that allowed users to access their calender,address book, calculator,and
other functions.
Importance of phones:

 Communication:
Phones enable instant communication with family, friends, and colleagues, regardless of
geographical distance (Ling, 2012).

 Emergency services: Phones provide access to emergency services, such as 911, allowing
users to quickly seek help in critical situations (FCC, 2022).

 Information Access : Phones offer instant access to information, enabling users to stay
informed about current events, news, and knowledge (Rainie, 2013).

 Social connection: Phones facilitate social connections, enabling users to stay in touch with
friends and family through social media, messaging apps, and video calls (Katz, 2013).

 Navigation and Transportation: Phones provide GPS navigation, enabling users to find
locations, get directions, and access transportation services (Nokia, 2013).

 E-commerce and Banking: Phones enable mobile commerce and banking, allowing users to
shop, pay bills, and manage finances on-the-go (Statista, 2022).

 Health and wellness : Phones can track physical activity, monitor health metrics, and
provide access to health- related apps and services (WHO, 2019).

 Education: Phones offer access to online educational resources, courses, and degree
programs, making education more Effective.
Importance of smart phones:
 Communication: Smartphones have revolutionized the way people communicate,
making it easier to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues (Ling, 2012).

 Information Access: Smartphones provide instant access to information, enabling users

to stay informed about current events, news, and knowledge (Rainie, 2013).
 Productivity: Smartphones have enabled people to work more efficiently and
effectively, with access to email, calendars, and productivity apps (Katz, 2013).
 Entertainment: Smartphones offer a wide range of entertainment options, including
music, videos, games, and social media (Kim, 2015).
 Navigation and Transportation: Smartphones have made navigation and transportation
easier, with access to GPS, maps, and ride-hailing apps (Nokia, 2013).
  Health and wellness: Smartphones can track physical activity, monitor health metrics,
and provide access to health-related apps and services (WHO, 2019).

 Education: Smartphones have enabled access to online educational resources, courses,

and degree programs, making education more accessible and convenient (UNESCO,
2019).
 E-commerce and banking: Smartphones have enabled mobile commerce and banking,
making it easier to shop, pay bills, and manage finances (Statista, 2022).
 Multimedia content: students can use smartphones to access multimedia content like
videos, podcasts and interactive simulation.
 Collaborative learning: students can use smartphones to organise, share notes,and
connect with others for group projects.
Importance of smart phones for students:
 Access to information: Smartphones provide students with instant access to information,
enabling them to learn anywhere, anytime (Katz, 2013).
 Mobile learning: Smartphones enable mobile learning, allowing students to access
educational resources, courses, and degree programs (UNESCO, 2019).

 Communication and collaboration: Smartphones facilitate communication and

collaboration among students, teachers, and peers, enhancing teamwork and group work
(Ling, 2012).

 Organization time and management : Smartphones help students stay organized and
manage their time effectively, with apps for scheduling, reminders, and task management
(Kim, 2015).

 Access to educational apps: Smartphones provide access to a wide range of educational

apps, games, and tools, making learning more engaging and interactive (Statista, 2022).

 Research and reference: Smartphones enable students to conduct research and access
reference materials, such as e-books, articles, and academic databases (Rainie, 2013).

 Carreer and development: Smartphones provide students with access to career

development resources, such as job search apps, professional networking sites, and online
courses (WHO, 2019).
Academic achievement:
Academic achievement refers to a student's performance and success in their academic pursuits,
typically measured by grades, test scores, and other evaluative metrics (Hattie, 2009). Academic
achievement describe academic outcome that indicates the extent to which a student has
achieved their learning goals.Academic achievement may refer to
completing educational benchmark such as a bachelor’s degree.Academic achievement is often
measured through examination or continuous assessment.
Importance of secondary stage of human life.
1. Physical Development
 Rapid Growth: The secondary stage (adolescence) is characterized by rapid physical growth
and development, including the onset of puberty (Tanner, 1962).
 Brain Development: Significant brain development occurs during adolescence, influencing
cognitive, emotional, and social development (Giedd, 2004).
2. Cognitive Development:
 Improved Problem-Solving_: Adolescents develop improved problem-solving skills,
critical thinking, and decision-making abilities (Piaget, 1954).
 Enhanced Creativity_: The secondary stage is marked by enhanced creativity,
imagination, and innovation (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
3. Emotinal and social Development:
 Identity Formation_: Adolescents experience significant emotional and social changes,
including identity formation and self-discovery (Erikson, 1963).
 Social Relationships_: The secondary stage is critical for developing and maintaining
social relationships, including friendships and romantic relationships (Hartup, 1996).
4. Career and academic Development:
 Career Exploration_: Adolescents begin to explore career options and develop interests
that can influence their future academic and professional pursuits (Holland, 1997).
 Academic Preparation_: The secondary stage is crucial for academic preparation, as
adolescents develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for post-secondary
education and future careers (National Research Council, 2004).
Importance of smart phone for better academic performance of secondary
students:

1. Access to Educational Learning:

a) Online Learning Materials: Smartphones provide access to online learning materials,
such as e-books, articles, and educational websites (Katz, 2013).
b) Educational Apps: Smartphones offer a wide range of educational apps, games, and
tools that can enhance learning and engagement (Statista, 2020).
2. Organization and time management:
a) Digital Calendars: Smartphones enable students to organize their schedules and
deadlines using digital calendars (Kim, 2015).
b) Task Management Apps: Smartphones offer task management apps that help students
prioritize and manage their assignments and projects (Weinstein, 2010).
3. Enhanced Collaboration and communication:
a) Group Chats: Smartphones facilitate group chats and discussions, enabling students to
collaborate on projects and assignments (Ling, 2012).
b) Email and Messaging: Smartphones provide students with access to email and
messaging apps, enabling them to communicate with teachers and peers (Rainie, 2013).
4. Personalized learning:

a) Adaptive Learning Apps: Smartphones offer adaptive learning apps that provide
personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students' needs (UNESCO,
2019).
Research findings:
Smartphones can have both positive and negative effects on the academic performance of
secondary students.
1. positive Effects:
a) Improved Access to Resources_: Smartphones provide students with instant access to a
wealth of educational resources, including online textbooks, educational apps, and
websites.¹
b) Enhanced Collaboration_: Smartphones enable students to collaborate with their peers
and teachers more easily, facilitating group work and communication.²
 c) Personalized Learning_: Smartphones can be used to access personalized learning
platforms, allowing students to learn at their own pace and receive tailored feedback.³
2. Negative Effects:
a) Distractions_: Smartphones can be a significant distraction, with notifications, social
media, and text messages competing for students' attention.
b) Multitasking_: While smartphones enable multitasking, research suggests that this can
actually decrease productivity and increase stress.⁴
c) Sleep Deprivation_: Excessive smartphone use has been linked to poor sleep quality,
which can have a negative impact on academic performance.
Critical Analysis:
1. Positive aspects:
a) Enhanced Access to Information: Smartphones provide students with instant access to
a vast array of educational resources, including online textbooks, educational apps, and
websites (Katz, 2013).
b) Improved Collaboration: Smartphones enable students to collaborate with their peers
and teachers more easily, facilitating group work and communication (Ling, 2012).
c) Personalized Learning: Smartphones can be used to access personalized learning
platforms, allowing students to learn at their own pace and receive tailored feedback
(UNESCO, 2019).
2. Negative aspects:

a) Distractions: Smartphones can be a significant distraction, with notifications, social

media, and text messages competing for students' attention (Király, 2019).

b) Multitasking: While smartphones enable multitasking, research suggests that this can
actually decrease productivity and increase stress (Ophir, 2009).

c) Sleep Deprivation: Excessive smartphone use has been linked to poor sleep quality,
which can have a negative impact on academic performance (Cain, 2010).
Critical Analysis
While smartphones offer numerous benefits for secondary students, their impact on
academic performance is complex and multifaceted. To maximize the benefits of smartphones,
educators and policymakers must address the potential drawbacks, such as distractions and
multitasking.
Conclusion:
Smartphones have become an essential tool for secondary students, offering numerous benefits
that can enhance their academic performance. By providing access to educational resources,
facilitating collaboration and communication, and enabling personalized learning, smartphones
can help students achieve better academic outcomes (Katz, 2013; Ling, 2012; UNESCO,
2019).While smartphones offer numerous benefits for secondary students, their impact on
academic performance is complex and multifaceted. By adopting responsible smartphone use
practices and leveraging the benefits of smartphones,
students can unlock their full potential and achieve better academic outcomes.
Reference:
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