The integration of mobile devices in schools and classrooms continues to grow every year. According to recent surveys, EdTech usage among K-12 schools has increased by 99% since the year 2020. The positive impact of technology in classrooms is clear. Access to online learning platforms and other digital resources boosts student engagement, increases opportunities for collaboration, and allows for more personalized learning experiences.
But there’s one major issue that can prevent these benefits from being realized: students showing up to class with uncharged devices. Here are three ways uncharged devices can negatively impact student learning.
Increased Classroom Disruptions
In a 2020 study, researchers observing classrooms in the Providence Public School District found that they averaged 15 interruptions per day. They also noted how “more than 59 percent of teachers reported that interruptions at least somewhat interfered with instruction.” While interruptions come in many forms, one issue that’s becoming more prominent with growing technology use in classrooms is uncharged devices.
In a classroom that relies heavily on using Chromebooks, tablets, and other devices for educational activities, a student with a dead battery may disrupt the learning process for themselves or their classmates. The teacher may need to pause their lesson to help the student find a way to plug in their device. If there are no chargers available in the classroom, the student either has to leave the room to find one or simply miss out on the portion of the lesson that requires the use of a mobile device.
Each of these outcomes is bad for both teachers and students, and they all lead to another important issue: lost teaching time.
Lost Teaching Time
In a packed curriculum where every minute counts, lost teaching time can have significant consequences. When teachers have to pause their lessons to address issues related to uncharged devices, it eats into valuable instructional time. Over the course of a school year, these interruptions can add up, resulting in missed learning opportunities and potentially falling behind schedule.
In fact, in the same 2020 study cited above, researchers calculated that “students lose between 10 to 20 days of instructional time over the course of the year” due to classroom interruptions. This is a staggering number, and educators should be doing everything they can to reduce the amount of interruptions and lost teaching time faced by students.
Reduced Access to Digital Education Resources
Many educational institutions rely heavily on digital resources to support teaching and learning. In a survey from the Institute of Education Sciences, over 70 percent of schools said that their teachers used technology for classroom activities to a moderate or large extent, and about half said that their teachers used technology for a majority of classroom work that would not be possible without it. From e-textbooks and educational apps to online research databases, these resources clearly play an increasingly vital role in modern education.
However, when students’ devices are uncharged, they are effectively cut off from accessing these crucial digital tools. This hinders their ability to engage with the material, collaborate with their classmates, and utilize personalized learning opportunities. It also puts them at a disadvantage compared to their peers who have fully charged devices.
Charging Solutions That Keep Students Ready to Learn
A low battery warning on a laptop or tablet might seem like a small thing, but it’s clear how device charging issues can significantly disrupt students’ experiences in the classroom and negatively impact learning outcomes.
At Power Technologies, we understand the challenges that schools face in managing device charging and power distribution. That’s why we offer a range of mobile device solutions and products designed specifically for educational institutions. From charging carts to mobile power stations, our solutions are designed with one mission in mind: to enhance the learning experience for students and simplify the lives of hardworking teachers.
Don’t let uncharged devices hold your students back. Contact us today to learn more about how Power Technologies can help you find the right mobile charging solution for your classroom or school district.