Cell phones and laptops make learning harder

Using cell phones in class not only distracts students but also lecturers.

Students at North-West University in Potchefstroom often use laptops and cell phones during class. This distracts students from learning.

But lecturers say they also get distracted by these electronic devices, as they do not have the full attention of the students.

Some students often react with smiles or other expressions to messages on their devices. These reactions are unrelated to the lecture and confuse lecturers.

Dr. Nolukhanyo Metula, a lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies, said she has a problem with students using their electronics for personal reasons during class.

“It distracts the teaching and learning process because students cannot really concentrate on the lesson.” Lecturers prefer students to take notes on notebooks instead of using their cell phones or laptops, because they know that electronics are a distraction that disturb them from concentrating effectively in classrooms, Metula said.  

Ontlametse Makodi (22), a first-year student in recreation, said, “I am attached to my cell phone, I use it all the time. A lecturer in one of my modules once took my phone, because I was not paying attention in class. From that day on, I decided to always switch off my phone before my lesson started.”

Nthabiseng Maseko (24), a senior student in sports science, said electronics have become a problem because they distract students and lecturers instead of being helpful and useful.

“It is quite disturbing for the students who are not using cell phones or laptops in the classroom and who want to focus and getting good results,” Maseko said.