In the rapidly evolving education landscape, digital study and organization apps like YouTube, Quizlet, and Khan Academy are at the forefront of a technological revolution. These tools essentially promise to streamline learning and enhance productivity.
Such assets have introduced and provided students with new, efficient, and versatile possibilities, complementing traditional methods of study such as pen and paper. When digital planning was first introduced and used in classrooms, reactions varied.
Some educators at THHS like English teacher Kevin Mcdonaugh, initially met this shift with skepticism. He reflected a common concern among teachers who feared that integrating such technologies within the classroom would undermine traditional methods of teaching and cause distractions.
“I was a luddite in a changing world”, he said. Yet, as he embraced digital tools such as Google Classroom and Padlet, he discovered their potential to enhance instruction. “Now, I cannot imagine not using digital technology as a pillar of instruction. All lesson material is more or less streamlined and can be easily adapted, shared, and updated on a regular basis with relative ease.” Similarly, Chemistry teacher Olivia Comer, said she recognizes the value of technology in the classroom. She notes that the increase in digital planning can be beneficial when implemented or used effectively. “I think that since our students are always experimenting with new technology, it is valuable for teachers to stay updated on new tools that may be helpful,” she said. Apps like Quizlet and Phet Simulations are some of the many tools that have helped students learn through flashcards and visualization. However, she also said she thinks that it could lead students to get more easily distracted; when a peer is on the internet, they would want to sneak in a little social media time.
Digital flashcards made in Quizlet can help students quickly memorize vocabulary for exams in language classes like Spanish or French. Meanwhile, videos on YouTube include Regents practice questions in STEM classes like Chemistry or Biology.
Students have expressed a range of opinions about digital study apps. Sophomore Dylan Wang found apps such as Quizlet and Khan Academy convenient for managing assignments, especially during projects.
However, he said he also values traditional pen–and–paper methods for their effectiveness in information retention–something that many students and teachers agree with. “In my opinion, traditional ‘pen and paper’ methods help retain information easier due to muscle memory,” he said. Dylan highlights a common struggle among the student body: balancing the convenience of digital tools with the proven benefits of traditional study methods.
Junior Zarif Sauladdin praised Khan Academy for its user-friendly layout and ability to provide step-by-step assistance for his complex calculus problems. “These apps boost my productivity,” he said, emphasizing how digital platforms can help save time and enhance understanding, especially when tackling challenging courses. “When I have the answer or am stuck, Khan Academy or YouTube can give me a step-by-step on how to approach the problem,” he said. He said that using such apps makes him work smarter, not harder, enabling him more time and less stress.
Sophomore Ethmi Uyanwatta also relies heavily on these apps when studying, especially during time crunches when she needs to condense information quickly. “Quizlet is certainly a portable and convenient way to study for exams,” she said, indicating that digital resources can facilitate learning when time is limited.
Ethmi said that while it is true that pen and paper might be more effective in retaining information, digital apps can be more convenient for quick revisions and clarifications.
Despite the convenience and productivity offered by digital study apps, students’ and teachers’ prior concerns about potential distractions still loom large, particularly in the access of other media. Ms. Comer said that the potential risk involved with these apps is their ability to cause significant distractions. She said, “Since the device being used for these study apps often also has access to your texts, social media, [and] email, it becomes easier to [be] sidetracked.”
This also resonates with some students who feel that while digital tools can enhance learning, they also can introduce distractions that might hinder a person’s ability to fully focus. Dylan said, “Sometimes I do get distracted while working on digital apps; however, at other times, my productivity is sometimes better than ever.”
Within the realm of technological advancements, numerous outcomes stem from people’s growing opinions regarding the pros and cons of these new study apps. The effectiveness of digital study and organization apps for students hinges on individual preferences, study habits, and the context of their use. While these tools can enhance learning and streamline organization, they also pose challenges that require careful navigation. Ultimately, despite the ups and downs, teachers and students have adapted to these new apps and find them to be beneficial for many.
