Final copy revising and editing

December 18, 2016

Abstract

This paper gives a discussion on how students get affected through the overdependence on the personal digital technology. It points out the two main points to prove that students really get affected with the practice. To close the discussion, the paper indicates that both the teacher and the parent have a role to play in ensuring that the harmful effects are avoided. It however gives the recommendations of what should be done to avoid the problems.

The Harmful Effect of Personal Technology to Students

The world of today is technological leading to the high-tech classrooms. People embrace the use of iPad, tweets and smart Televisions in the classroom to enhance learning through increased student interaction. On the other hand, the overuse of technology by the student brings with it the harmful effects that can have serious and long-term results to him/her. However, to come out of the negative effects, teachers, parents and students have a responsibility of recognizing the downside of technology and how to avoid such.

The overdependence on personal technology results to isolation (Tenner & Rall, 1997). The student on technology tends to lack the personal contact with others in the day to day living activities such as in the learning institutions, with the friends and in the social activities. They isolate themselves by moving around in their little world with their headphones on, staring at the screens of the technological devices even in the presence of other people. They however become socially isolated and thus leading shorter lives.

Additionally, obesity results from excessive use of technology. The individual spends much of his/her time occupied with the video games, online chatting and watching of funny videos on the You Tube. This phenomenon however increases the time spent sedentary and reduces the amount of time spent on physical activities. Also, the students get brain washed on the type of food to consume such that they focus on the modern foods being displayed on the technological tools such as on the Televisions. The consumption of some of the foods watched without proper physical exercises results to the obesity cases.

In conclusion, technology can be compared with a coin, having both the positive and harmful effects to the students. It is however the responsibility of the teacher and parent to monitor the student’s personal technology usage to avoid the harmful effects. Also, the teacher and parents must teach students to be responsible on technology usage thus able to use it effectively.

References

Tenner, E., & Rall, J. E. (1997). Why things bite back: Technology and the revenge of unintended consequences (p. F1). New York: Vintage Books.