DIGITAL DISTRACTION AMONG EFL STUFENTS

     

DIGITAL DISTRACTION AMONG EFL STUFENTS

     In an era where digital technology dominates almost every aspect of our lives, foreign language (EFL) students often find themselves caught up in what is referred to as “digital distortion”. Digital distortion refers to distractions caused by the overuse of digital technologies such as smart phones, social media, and video games, which in turn can interfere with focus, productivity, and learning.The Impact of Digital Distortion on Foreign Language Students.

       Distraction: Foreign language students who are overly engaged in digital technology are likely to experience distractions that hinder their ability to concentrate while learning a language. Excessive use of digital devices can reduce the quality of learning for foreign language students, as they tend to be less focused and more easily distracted. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Dependence on digital technology can also increase stress and anxiety levels among foreign language students, due to the pressure to stay connected and constantly 'online'. and then Strategies for Overcoming Digital Distortions 

        Foreign language students need to set time limits for the use of digital technologies, including smart phones, social media and video games. This can help them prioritize time for language learning. Creating a distraction-free learning environment: Students can create a distraction-free learning environment, by turning off notifications from smartphones and turning their full attention to the learning material,Concentration Exercises: Doing regular concentration exercises, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can help foreign language students improve their focus and resistance to external distractions.Utilizing Technology for Learning: While digital technology can be a source of distortion, it can also be a very effective tool for language learning. Students can use apps and websites specifically designed for language learning, ensuring that their use is appropriate to the learning objectives.Collaboration and Support: Foreign language students can form support groups where they support each other to overcome digital distortions. Sharing experiences, strategies and support can help them face these challenges together.

       Digital distortion is a real challenge for foreign language students in acquiring good language proficiency. However, with awareness of its negative impact and adoption of appropriate strategies, students can manage their use of digital technologies more effectively, thereby improving their focus, productivity and quality of learning. From the explanation we have questionHow does the use of digital technologies such as smart phones, social media and video games affect EFL students' focus and productivity?

     The use of digital technologies such as smart phones, social media and video games to affect the focus and productivity of foreign language (EFL) students involves an analysis of the impact they have on students' learning and academic performance. Here are some points that can be discussed: Attention Distraction: The use of smartphones and social media often results in distraction for foreign language students. The constant notifications from smartphones and social media notifications can disrupt their focus during language learning sessions.

      Reduced Study Time: Video games and other digital entertainment content often take up time that could otherwise be used for language learning. Students who are overly engaged in video games tend to experience decreased productivity and less time for language practice. Decreased Quality of Learning: Spending too much time on social media or with video games can reduce the quality of learning. Students may not fully focus on the subject matter or not do enough practice to improve their language skills. Addiction and Anxiety: Excessive use of digital technology can lead to dependency and anxiety if students find it difficult to separate themselves from their devices or feel anxious when unable to access them.

     Impact on Academic Performance: These impacts can lead to a decrease in overall academic performance for foreign language students. Lack of focus and productivity can hinder their ability to understand the material and achieve the expected performance in language learning. A review of the impact of digital technology use on foreign language students' focus and productivity should include an in-depth analysis of how this use affects their learning behavior and academic performance. Here are some strategies that can help foreign language students overcome the negative impact of digital technology use on their focus and productivity:

    Time Scheduling: Set a consistent study schedule and allocate dedicated time without distractions from digital technology. Students can designate specific times where they only focus on language learning without accessing smartphones or social media. Block or Limit Access: Use apps or built-in features on the device to block or limit access to social media apps and video games during study sessions. This helps prevent distractions and improve focus during set times for studying. Create an Optimal Study Environment: Create a distraction-free study environment by turning off notifications from smartphones and distancing yourself from external distractions. Students can also find a quiet, isolated study spot to focus fully on the learning material.

     Implement Time Management Techniques: Learn and apply time management techniques such as the Pomodoro method, where students work for short periods of time (e.g. 25 minutes) with full focus, followed by short breaks to release stress and come back refreshed. Enable Focus Mode: Many devices and apps have a “focus mode” feature that allows users to turn off notifications and access to non-essential apps for a period of time. Utilize these features to create periods of time free from digital distractions. 

      Concentration Exercises: Do concentration exercises such as meditation or breathing techniques to help improve focus and resistance to external distractions. These exercises can help students maintain concentration while learning a language. Form Support and Accountability: Form a support group with friends or fellow foreign language students where you can support each other to overcome digital distortions. Sharing experiences, strategies and challenges can help strengthen efforts to manage the use of digital technologies. By implementing these strategies consistently, foreign language students can reduce the negative impact of digital distortion and increase their focus and productivity in language learning.

References

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Junco, R., & Cotten, S. R. (2012). No A 4 U: The relationship between multitasking and academic performance. Computers & Education, 59(2), 505-514.

Hwang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2018). Predicting English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ academic performance and digital distractions through digital literacy practices. Computers & Education, 116, 12-26.

Malik, A. S., Dhir, A., Nieminen, M., & Kaur, P. (2020). Distress or eustress? Role of digital technology use among university students. Computers & Education, 157, 103960.

Jones, C., Mostaghimi, M., & Kesavabhotla, K. (2020). The Role of Mobile Learning in Improving Learning Outcomes: A Review of Studies on Mobile Learning Acceptance and Efficacy in Undergraduate Foreign Language Education. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 0735633120919176.