Effects mobile devices have in the attention of EFL students

The negative effects of cell phones have made on students a major problem these
days. The progressions of cell phones and mobile devices in general have played
a key role in the classroom. 20 years ago, cell phones (or mobile devices) did not
exist in the classroom, students had to rely exclusively on computers that were
usually located in a computer lab, or in the (public) library.

Children, and young adults are susceptible to distraction with cell phones. In the
classroom and even out of it, cell phones provide students an immediate network
of communication and entertainment. Robert Earl (2012) discusses the use of cell
phones by students during classes. He states, “Cell phones distract students from
schoolwork and class activities.” This is due mostly because students are texting,
playing games or calling other people. Besides, Cell phone ringers and alarms
disturb the flow of lessons, the teacher, and the attention of students in the room.

According to the National School Safety and Security Services, text messaging can be an aid for
cheating students. Also, the camera in a cell phone can be used to photograph exams. The camera
also can be used to photograph other students in a way that is a violation of privacy.

Cell phone is the main cause of distraction in class. During a lesson, students who use cell phone in
class will get distracted and also they waste their time instead of understanding the lesson.
Consequently, they will receive a low grade and get failure. Not only students who use their cell
phones will get distracted, but also rest students in class will be influenced by students who use
cell phones in class. Some students annoy other students by texting or sending message to them,
so they cannot concentrate on teacher's lecture and get a low grade as well. Another factor can
cause distraction in class is ringtone. When cell phone rings during a lesson, it usually interrupts
teacher's ideas and makes him upset, and also waste part of class time. Using cell phone in class is
not an appropriate concept and also it decreases the learning capacity for students

More Distractions

The biggest lament of teachers in regards to cell phones is that they lead to student distraction
and off task behavior. Texting a friend is a tempting diversion that many students select over
listening to a lecture or completing a class assignment. If not silenced, cell phones can ring during
class, drawing everyone's attention away from the lesson and disrupting the flow of learning.
Many teachers worry that this added distraction negatively impacts students' school performance
as it stops them from dedicating their full attention to their studies.
Earl, Robert. “Do Cell Phones Belong in the Classroom?” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 18
May 2012. Web. 27 Nov. 2014.