Even in the constantly evolving world we live in, there are still people who believe that the usage of phone and computer applications are simply a waste of time.
America was ranked one of the five most innovative countries, which speaks volumes for itself. Yes, there are games and obscene materials that get reproduced and passed on to inappropriately aged audience; but there are also study apps, dictionary apps, organization apps and music apps.
What needs to be recognized is an ongoing demand for new products and ideas, so for apps to be deemed a waste of time is an underestimation of the impact that it has. Megan Slack stated in an article published for the White House Blog, “Digital textbooks…help students visualize and interact with complex concepts …
apps and platforms…adapt to the level of individual student knowledge and help teachers know precisely which lessons or activities are working. This technology is real, it is available, and its capacity to improve education is profound.”
Many of the schools that I have attended in the past years discouraged the use of electronics during learning hours but gave teachers leeway to use discretion when allowing it for educational purposes. At times, there would be “cell phone periods” where the students could consult the resources available on demand whether it was downloaded or built into their devices. Those apps aided in the learning process and because of its familiarity, it also facilitated it.
The Internet is a significant element of the creation of applications as many of them require connection to function to its full capacity. According to Daniel Boffey’s article in The Observer, there is evidence through research that of the 1.2 million teenagers that log on to pages, the ones that use online resources are, on average, more likely to have higher test grades.
Studious attitudes and ambition toward superior academics marks are things that should be sought by students, but all work and no play is a nonsensical idea and it is understandable. Everyone should spend time investing in their educational well-beings, their social well-beings and what they feel to be their moral obligations. Some people need music to relax, and guess what? There are many apps to feed that addiction. Some people play games to unwind, and there are many fanatics that keep up-to-date mobile games and computer games accessible to the public. There is even an app that provides valuable information to wounded warriors. According to the Official Homepage of the U.S. Army, this app “gives wounded and ill service members and their families access to vital information on the go.” In this app, that is directed to help heroes in difficult times, declaring such a broad range of things “a waste of time” is a far stretch that blows things out of proportion.
Whatever interest that one may have can probably be found in an app; if there is not one, it can be created. There has been great success through the creation of websites that allow users to download applications as well as mobile devices that provide access to these services. It is neither an unconventional or luxurious means to getting things done, but simply, a current one. Once time is being invested in something that can positively affect the user, there is no reason to bash.
Its potential and history of negativity does not put to a halt the wealth of greatness that applications has accomplished through its existence. It all lies in the hands of the beholder, so we, as consumers, should put it to good use
Toni-Ann Hall,
Freshman Communication Major.
