1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Information technology has completely changed traditional learning environments by providing never-before-seen possibilities for individualized training, interactive learning, and information access. Alongside these advantages, though, worries about information technology's possible detrimental effects on children's education have surfaced. This background part discusses the evolution of information technology in education and highlights the new issues it poses, setting the scene for the study.
Historically, the introduction of computers and the internet into classrooms signified a dramatic change in the methods used in teaching. Through the provision of educators with potent tools to engage students and support learning in previously unthinkable ways, these technological developments promised to change teaching and learning. Teachers now have more options for content delivery, student progress evaluation, and collaboration because to the growth of educational software, multimedia resources, and online platforms. Despite the transformative potential of information technology in education, research has begun to uncover its unintended consequences, particularly concerning children's development and academic performance.
Studies have indicated that excessive screen time and digital device use may contribute to attention deficits, reduced cognitive abilities, and diminished social skills among children (Christakis, 2014; Przybylski & Weinstein, 2017). Moreover, the pervasive nature of digital media, including social networking sites and online gaming, has raised concerns about its addictive qualities and potential to distract students from their studies (Kuss & Griffiths, 2012; Twenge & Campbell, 2018).
Furthermore, according to Clark (2016) and Rideout (2017), the rapid evolution of information technology has outpaced the development of guidelines and best practices for its use in educational settings. Many educators and parents find themselves navigating a complex landscape of digital tools and platforms without clear guidance on how to leverage technology effectively to support learning while mitigating its potential negative effects (Clark, 2016; Rideout, 2017).
In the modern era, information technology has become an integral part of daily life, permeating almost every aspect of society, including education. While technology offers numerous benefits in terms of accessibility to information and interactive learning experiences, there is growing concern about its potential negative impact on child education. This study aims to investigate and analyze the adverse effects of information technology on the learning process of children (Smith et al., 2023).
Smith et al., (2023) also asserted that, as technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, children are increasingly exposed to various digital devices from a young age. From smartphones and tablets to computers and interactive learning tools, these technological innovations have transformed the way children access information and engage with educational content. However, alongside the benefits, there is mounting evidence suggesting that excessive use of technology can hinder cognitive development, impair social skills, and undermine academic performance.
Moreover, the pervasive nature of technology in modern society has led to concerns about its addictive qualities and the potential for technology dependence among children. With easy access to digital devices and online platforms, children are often drawn into a virtual world that can detract from real-world learning experiences and impede their ability to focus and concentrate in traditional educational settings.
Against this backdrop, there is a pressing need for empirical research to systematically examine the negative influence of information technology on child education. By identifying the specific ways in which technology may hinder learning and development, this study aims to inform educational stakeholders and policymakers about the importance of implementing evidence-based strategies to promote responsible technology use in educational settings.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that technology offers various educational resources and tools, there is a need to explore how excessive reliance on digital devices may negatively impact academic performance, including attention span, information retention, and critical thinking skills (Clark, 2016). Also, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding how excessive use of information technology, such as prolonged screen time and engagement with digital devices, may hinder cognitive development in children (Przybylski & Weinstein, 2017).
Additionally, the extent to which frequent use of digital media may lead to deficits in social skills among children remains unclear, posing a significant concern for educators and parents alike (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Moreso, the addictive nature of digital media and its potential to foster technology dependence among children raise questions about the long-term implications for their educational attainment and overall well-being (Kuss & Griffiths, 2012). Furthermore, there is a dearth of evidence-based guidelines and best practices for educators and parents to navigate the integration of information technology into educational settings effectively, highlighting the need for research-informed strategies (Rideout, 2017).
Addressing these problems is crucial for understanding the complex relationship between information technology and child education, informing the development of interventions and policies aimed at promoting responsible and balanced technology use in educational contexts.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the detrimental effects of information technology on child education and to provide insights into mitigating these negative impacts. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore the psychological and cognitive effects of excessive screen time on children in the area under study;
- To identify the specific ways in which information technology affects child education negatively;
- To evaluate the potential long-term consequences of technology dependence on educational outcomes;
- To examine the role of digital distractions in hindering academic progress; and
- To investigate how the integration of technology in classrooms affects teacher-student dynamics, peer interaction, and overall educational engagement.
- To proffer practical advice and actionable recommendations based on research findings to help parents, teachers, and policymakers navigate the challenges posed by information technology and support positive learning experiences for children.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does the integration of technology in classrooms affect teacher-student dynamics, peer interaction, and overall educational engagement?
- What are the psychological and cognitive effects of excessive screen time on children?
- What is the role of digital distractions in hindering academic progress?
- What are the specific ways in which information technology affects child education negatively?
- What are the potential long-term consequences of technology dependence on educational outcomes?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant negative influence of information technology on child education in the area under study.
- H1: Information technology has a significant negative influence on child education in the area under study.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant negative influence of information technology on the attention span, academic performance, and social interaction of children.
- H1: Information technology has a significant negative influence on the attention span, academic performance, and social interaction of children.
1.6 Significance of Study
The significance of the research findings, the study can help ensure that children have access to technology in ways that support their learning without compromising their educational outcomes. Also, the study can provide valuable insights for parents on how to strike a balance between allowing their children access to technology and ensuring that it does not negatively impact their education.
Additionally, educators can benefit from understanding the potential negative effects of information technology on child education. This knowledge can guide them in designing effective teaching strategies that leverage technology appropriately while mitigating its adverse impacts on learning outcomes.
Furthermore, the study adds to the growing body of research on the impact of technology on education and child development. It can serve as a foundation for further research in this area, helping to deepen our understanding of how technology shapes learning outcomes and informing future interventions and studies.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Study into the Negative Influence of Information Technology on Child Education using some selected schools in Owerri-West local government area of Lagos State as a reference point.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of terms
Education:
This is a process by which a society deliberately transmits its cultural heritage through schools, colleges, universities and other institutions.
Educational Technology:
It is a process involving, a systematic approach to identifying instructional problems and then designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating instructional solutions.
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