Use Of Laptops Research Articles

Assessment of The Impact of Use of Electronic Gadgets On Sleep Pattern and Daytime Sleepiness Among Nonobese Students in A Selected College At Puducherry, India - A Cross-Sectional Observational Trial.

Humans suffer from various sleep disorders because of using electronic gadgets, especially adolescent college students. Frequent and additional prolonged use of electronic gadgets before bedtime may lead to daytime sleepiness and other sleep disorders such as insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea, etc., The study aimed to assess the impact of electronic gadgets on sleep patterns and daytime sleepiness among adolescents with a normal BMI in a selected college in Puducherry. A quantitative research approach and a descriptive cross-sectional research design were adopted for the study. Adolescents in the age group of 16-19 years of each gender were the target population. A total of 298 adolescents participated in the study. The tool consisted of socio-demographic variables, a sleep habits questionnaire to assess the sleeping pattern, and a modified Cleveland adolescent sleepiness questionnaire to evaluate the adolescent experience of daytime sleepiness on a 5-point Likert scale. The results indicate that smartphones and television were the most commonly used electronic gadgets among adolescents. Most adolescents went to bed after 10 pm and woke up after 6 am. The majority of the adolescents felt somewhat sleepy during the daytime. An association existed between the use of smartphones and laptops with daytime sleepiness at p<0.05: Electronic gadgets have become a part of adolescents' life, and it has an impact on the adolescents' sleep habits which needs to be addressed earlier.

Augmented reality and gamification in pharmacy education: A call for implementation in African countries and other low resource settings

Background: Augmented reality (AR) and gamification, which involve the use of mobile devices, tablets, and laptops to enhance learning experiences, are relatively new in tertiary education. This article calls for the implementation of AR and gamification in pharmacy education in African countries and other low-resource settings. Method: A search strategy was conducted using the following keywords: ‘gamification’, ‘augmented reality’, ‘game-based learning’, ‘pharmacy education’, ‘African Countries’ and ‘low resource settings’ on PubMed, PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases. Results: Pharmacy students in African countries and other low resources settings face challenges which include: a limited number of lecturers, underdeveloped infrastructure, paucity of knowledge, and restricted educational resources coupled with a lack of pedagogy related to teaching courses. Incorporation of AR and gamification systems into their learning process will enhance student motivation and understanding. Conclusion: Pharmacy schools and concerned stakeholders in African countries and other low-resource settings should consider the rapidly evolving technology by developing appropriate and productive AR and game-based learning concepts that would enhance learning experiences, given its numerous benefits.

Life cycle assessment of ICT in higher education: a comparison between desktop and single-board computers

PurposeInformation and communications technology (ICT) plays a key role in higher education in improving the teaching process. Consequently, the environmental impacts associated with ICT are increasing, and innovative solutions must be deployed to reduce these impacts and increase students’ awareness. Single-board computers (SBCs) are promising because they rely on less materials and energy than desktop computers (PCs). But additional servers are required to perform large-scale computations. Hence, this paper aims at conducting comparative LCA between SBCs and PCs.Materials and methodsThe study is conducted in the context of a French engineering school with the following functional unit: “use 600 computers for 5 years in an engineering school.” Two scenarios are defined to fulfil this functional unit. Scenario 1 is the use of 600 PCs (current infrastructure), and scenario 2 is the use of 600 SBCs combined with 6 servers (alternative infrastructure). The analysis includes the materials manufacturing, assembly, packaging, transport, use and end-of-life of each device. Life cycle inventory (LCI) of the foreground systems was generated using a variety of sources: disassembly of computers, counting of electronic components, datasheets, estimations, etc. LCI of the background systems is taken from ecoinvent 3.5. The selected life cycle impact assessment methodology is ReCiPe 2016 midpoint, and computation of impacts is done with openLCA 1.10.3.Results and discussionScenario 2 (SBCs + servers) generates 84 to 92% less impact than scenario 1 (PCs) in all categories. In terms of global warming, scenarios 1 and 2 generate 225 and 18 tCO2 eq per functional unit, respectively. This is explained by the large reduction in material and energy requirements for SBCs which is not counterbalanced by the servers. Equipment manufacturing accounts for the largest share of impacts in most categories for both scenarios (e.g., ~70% for global warming), followed by the use phase. This differs from the results found in the literature, as this study was conducted in the context of France, which has a low-carbon electricity mix.ConclusionsOur analysis has shown that SBCs combined with servers reduce the carbon footprint and other environmental impacts of ICT infrastructure for higher education. This study provides an example of low tech-oriented solution for students. Other prospective solutions (e.g., use of laptops) should be extensively studied in the future. From an LCA point of view, updating the inventory data related to background processes for electronic components is a necessary step forward to improve the certainty of the results.

Remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic: Computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms in university staff.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandatory remote working for workers in many sectors, including education. This study aimed to investigate the physical characteristics of workspaces, computer use, and prevalence, associated factors, and reported impact of computer-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among university staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study of staff in a university in Ireland was conducted in March 2021. An anonymous online survey of computer use, work practices and 3-month prevalence and the reported impact of computer-related MSS (modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire) was conducted. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and relationships were tested using chi-squared analysis. The analysis included 1045 responses. The majority (63%) worked solely from home, used a laptop more frequently than a desktop computer, and worked a greater number of hours. Almost half (48%) did not have a dedicated home workspace. More respondents reported their university workspace (72%) was more comfortable than their home workspace (51.2%) (p < 0.0001). Prevalence of computer-related MSS was 83% : neck (62%), shoulder (57%), lower back (47%). Laptop-related MSS was reported more frequently (82%) than desktop-related MSS (65%) (p < 0.05). Computer-related MSS was associated with workspace, equipment at home, laptop use, female gender, and righthandedness (p < 0.05). A reduction in non-work-related activities (35%), work activities (18%) and seeking medical attention (24%) was reported. The prevalence of computer-related MSS was high and associated with remote working. Further studies that aim to mitigate the risks of computer-related MSS in those working remotely or in hybrid models are required.

DETERMINANTS OF USERS’ SATISFACTION WITH ELECTRONIC RESOURCES AND SERVICES PROVISION IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

Despite the number of studies conducted on users’ satisfaction with library services, only a handful of reports was able to assess the level of users’ satisfaction with library electronic services. The review showed that previous studies measured the quality of services rendered by the federal university libraries with just a question or an extract from the ServQual instrument without proper application of the ServQual model. Identification of determinants of library users' satisfaction needs an in-depth investigation using different methods before librarians can work towards improving those identified factors for maximum utilization of library resources and services. This present study used the ServQual model for determining users' satisfaction with electronic resources and services provided in six federal university libraries. The instruments used for data collection were descriptive surveys, focus groups, observation, and interview designs. This study applied a multistage sampling technique to arrive at the 733 sample size that represented the registered postgraduate users for the selected federal university libraries from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Structural Equation Model and SPSS were used to analyze data collected from the respondents, it was found that the federal university libraries provided minimal (acceptable) electronic services with a beta coefficient of (β=0.66**) which showed a significant level of user satisfaction with electronic services. Determinants of users’ satisfaction were a conducive environment; good Internet connection; constant power supply; adequate computer systems; use of laptops either personal or loan; longer operating hours; remote access to eResources; adequate security measures, availability and accessibility of electronic resources, currency and adequacy of electronic resources. The study concluded that users were moderately satisfied with library services provision but libraries need to improve the quality of resources quality of services provided in the various universities. This paper recommended that, the library environment must be conducive to learning; good Internet connection is provided and sustained; have power backups; provide adequate computer systems; allow users to bring in their laptops to the library; increase their operation hours; provide remote access to e-resources; re-work the security systems and subscribe to numerous electronic resources to optimally satisfied users.

Impact of Electronic Gadgets Overuse on Myopia Progression among Young People: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Myopia has a multifactorial aetiology, involving interplay between environmental, genetic and behavioural factors. In today’s times of digitalisation, young people are now more exposed to digital devices, which is another possible risk factor for myopia. Aim: To determine the effect of mobile and laptop overuse on progression of myopia in young people at three time points of six months interval. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Shyam Shah Medical College and associated Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India, from of January 2019 to September 2020. A total of 400 eyes of 200 myopic patients were included. All the eyes were categorised into three groups based upon degree of myopia at the time of presentation. Cycloplegic autorefraction followed by subjective refinement of refraction was done and Spherical Equivalent (SE) was calculated in time 1, time 2 and time 3. Progression of myopia was calculated as increase in myopic refraction of subject’s eye between time 1 and time 3. Questionnaire survey about amount of time spent on mobile and laptop and their working distance was done. Then task-specificdiopter-hours per day were calculated. Multivariate analysis was done to estimate the adjusted odds ratio for mobile and laptop use associated with myopia progression. Results: The present study was conducted on 200 patients having varying degree of myopia. Mean age of patients with low, moderate and high myopia was 18.62±3.18, 17.65±3.59 and 17.49±3.91 years, respectively. The male to female ratio was 1.04:1. This study documents task specific mobile and laptop diopter hours per day was significantly higher in eyes with progression as compared to no progression in low, moderate as well as in high myopes (p-value&lt;0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, risk of progression of myopia was significantly higher in patients engaged for longer duration on mobile and laptop and at near distance. Thus, this study concludes that overuse of electronic gadgets has a significant adverse impact on myopia progression in young people.

Relationship Between Laptop Use Behavior and Health in Midwifery Students at the University of West Sumatra

The use of laptops is generally to meet the needs of wireless communication and internet access. The use of laptops has increased very high in the world of education, both among school and college students. The majority of today's school children always bring laptops to school because of the demands of an increasingly sophisticated era. In the world of education, Australia is a pioneer country for the use of laptops in the school environment, laptops are in great demand because they can be used anywhere and also the use of laptops has a positive impact on the learning and teaching process. The data collection method was carried out by interviews using a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire. The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between laptop size and health complaints that were felt due to laptop use (Pvalue = 0.961), there was no significant relationship between the duration of laptop use and health complaints that were felt due to laptop use (Pvalue = 0.782), no there is a significant relationship between the frequency of laptop use and health complaints that are felt due to laptop use (Pvalue = 0.065), there is a significant relationship between body position when using a laptop and health complaints that are felt due to laptop use (Pvalue = 0.002).

Integrasi Teknologi Baru dalam Meningkatkan Pendidikan Islam di Indonesia

Islamic Studies teachers face challenging challenges Based on the understanding that the duties and responsibilities of religious teachers are more than onerous, globalization which has become part of people's lives causes difficulties for teachers. Challenges for teachers today are different from the past. It is necessary that we do a lot in the form of skills and strategies to ensure that teachers are always in their best role. There is a need for a variety of instructional approaches, methods, and course materials in the field of Islamic Studies. Among these are aqidah (Islamic beliefs), sabi'ah (Islamic ethics), fiqh (Islamic law), the Koran, and Islamic history. With this in mind, it was necessary for the author to research and articulate this research in order to spend a lot of time in class using the "chalk and talk" technique to explain topics such as prayer, pilgrimage, and Islamic history. Therefore, the use of ICT in the classroom is certainly very possible, such as the use of laptops and internet connections. Many academics teaching Islamic Studies rarely use any kind of digital technology, according to previous research. This method is based on concrete field data and literature, and collects data, classifies, analyzes or processes the data, and outputs the situation objectively, taking books, magazines, newspapers, etc. as related issues, carried out by steps on these root causes.

Culture of Digital Literacy in Thematic Learning at the Basic Education Level

Learning during the pandemic hasn’t optimally, literacy has decreased so it is necessary to cultivate digital literacy. This study aims to analyse the cultivation of digital literacy and its supporting and inhibiting factors. This research includes qualitative research with a descriptive type. The subjects of the study were teachers, students and principals. Data collection techniques are interviews, observations, and documentation, instruments in the form of interview guidelines, observation sheets and documents. Test validity of the data using source triangulation techniques. Research data analysis is interactive analysis. The results showed that the cultivation of digital literacy can be through activities: 1) digital-based learning, 2) introduction to use of laptops, 3) education on the wise use of cellphones. The cultivation of digital literacy is influenced by several supporting factors, namely: availability of infrastructure, commitment of school residents to increase digital field, the inhibiting factors are the competence of educators, students and parents are low in the digital literacy, there isn‘t internet at home, the focus of teachers in digital literacy is lacking due many tasks, lack of infrastructure. So the cultivation of digital literacy in thematic learning in elementary schools needs to be improved in terms of infrastructure, competence of educators and students.

Congregation of News in a Digitized World Using News Angle

Technology is rapidly growing and fast and instant network connections have changed life. The use of mobile, tablets, and laptops are increasing. In this fast and information-oriented world, we need to stay updated with every incident and news. The NewsAngle app is an android mobile application where users have access to the latest news from the Admin app. The application has focused on the existing system and tried to solve problems such as the improvised notification system, news with tags, and live news channel option using youtube APIs. A payment gateway is integrated into the system which will help to alter the users into two separate categories like paid and free users. Android studio used in applications supports programming languages like Java, Kotlin, and XML (Extensible Markup Language). The drag-and-drop feature for the user interface and the java code auto-completion feature for the backend have made android studio easy to use. The main focus of the application is to connect news articles from all around the world and deliver to them to users as fast as possible. It provides automation, immediacy, adaption, and personalization. The Application provides information about the stock market, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency. The user can see share market values and live television channels which are displayed in the application.

Perceptions of online shopping and determinants of consumers’ online purchase of food groceries in Polokwane local municipality, South Africa

Online purchase of food groceries is a development in the food retail market that is being driven by recent advances in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Consumers are, therefore, complying with these emerging trends by testing some of the online shopping platforms to form a behavioural compliance as required by some cashless economic policies being implemented in some African countries. Although considered to be convenient, online shopping is bewildered with a lot of risks. The aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions of consumers on online shopping risks and determine the factors influencing them to purchase food groceries online. The data were collected from 173 respondents selected by simple random sampling. The data were collected using structured questionnaire that was administered by trained enumerators. Descriptive statistics and logit regression were used for data analysis. The analyses were carried out by STATA software. The results showed that 11% of the respondents were using online platforms to purchase food groceries, 57.2% were aware of the existence of online platforms to purchase food groceries, 84.4% perceived online purchase of food groceries as convenient, and 62.4% perceived it as risky. The results of the Logit regression model showed that delivery fee, level of education, employment status, use of phone tablets for internet browsing, use of laptops to browse the internet, perceived online convenience and perceived online risk had statistically significant relationships (p&lt;0.05) with consumers’ decision to purchase food groceries online. It was recommended that in order to encourage active online sales, there is the need to educate consumers on the benefits of purchasing food groceries online, using broadcasting platforms such as radio, television and social media. There is also a need for the South African government to strengthen policies to reduce associated risks of online transactions. Key words: Consumers, food groceries, delivery fee, online purchase, South Africa

Do laptops in the classroom produce negative externalities? Evidence from a classroom field experiment

This paper uses a semester-long field experiment to analyze the effect of the use of laptops in the classroom on a neighboring student’s ability to learn. Students were randomly assigned a seat during each lecture, creating random exposure to laptops. Each lecture concluded with a short quiz to assess learning outcomes. Simple OLS estimates show statistically significant but practically small effects of laptop exposure. However, these effects are not significant when using a panel data approach, suggesting they are the result of omitted variable bias.

Physical activity across days of week, video games, and laptop use are more likely to influence weight gain among Saudi Youth.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the extent and prevalence of daily PA and the sedentary behavior during inactive spare-time among young Saudis and their effect on overweight and obesity.MethodsA total of 357 students completed all stages of this study. They included 282 boys aged 11.95 ± 0.73 years (213 children aged 11.62 ± 0.506 years and 69 adolescents aged 13.16 ± 0.373 years) and 75 girls (16 children aged 11.94 ± 0.236 years and 59 adolescents aged 13.47 ± 0.626 years). For each participant, height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated. A questionnaire asking about daily PA and sedentary habits during the previous 7 days was also used. Multiple comparisons were performed to test for differences between groups by sex and age category, and stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine which variables significantly affected BMI.ResultsThe overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17.02 and 28.37% in boys and 9.33 and 0% in girls, respectively. The patterns of PA were changing within elements and between sexes. Both groups of boys were more active than girls during breakfast and lunch periods (p < 0.001 for all). A significant difference in favor of boys was also observed between the two groups of boys and the group of adolescent girls regarding after-school physical activity (p < 0.05 for all). Prepubescent boys reported being generally less active during the previous 7 days than their female counterparts and adolescent peers. Sedentary behaviors did not differ between all groups. Playing video games and using laptops were the parameters significantly associated with BMI.ConclusionsThis study noted that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was more pronounced in boys than in girls. However, boys were more active but had the same degree of sedentary behavior as girls. Physical activity across the days of weekly, video games, and laptop use were the parameters that most affected BMI.

Urgensi Media Pembelajaran Berasaskan Teknologi Informasi pada Mata Pelajaran Fikih di MTsN 1 Pesisir Selatan

The learning process is the main key in improving the quality and quantity of a nation’s people.There are many aspects that influence or support the creation of a quality learning process to achive learning objectives, one of which is the use of technology and information. In line with the development of sience and technology that is so powerful, especially with regard to information technology in the field of education. Information technology is becoming increasingly important.The porpuse of this study was to determine the urgency of learning media based on information technology in fiqh subjects at MTsN 1 Pesisir Selatan.This type of research is descriptive qualitative research that seeks to produce descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words from the observed people or behavior. While the results of this study are that the urgency of information technology-based learning media in Fiqh subjects At MTsN 1 Pesisir Selatan already uses information technology-based nedia in learning such as the use of laptops, LSDs, Mobile Phones, internet and digital Al-Quran althought they have not always used technology media. Information in each study of fiqh.Through the use of information technology, the learning process carried out by the teacher becomes easier and the learning models used can also vary. It is easier for students to concentrate in learning with the information technology media as a support. While the steps taken to overcome the problems of the importance of information technology-based learning media are by involving teachers in training and making ninformation and technology-based teaching materials.

Teachers Perspective on Redesigning Social Studies Curriculum for Student-Centered and Constructivist Learning: Empirical Study of Secondary Schools, Northern Region

Effective, equitable, and student-centered Social Studies instruction occurs in an environment which is prepared and well designed for that purpose. The 21st Century Social Studies curriculum should be planned to allow teachers to adopt constructivist student-centered pedagogies to improve the learning outcomes of students. However, it appears most teachers in Ghana still apply the traditional rote methods of instruction that deprives students of the ability to acquire 21st century learning due to weaknesses in the existing curriculum. This study was, therefore, conducted to explore from teachers how the Social Studies curriculum can be reformed to create a room for active and student centered learning. A cross-sectional research design was adopted for this study. Senior High School (SHS) Social Studies teachers in Northern Region were the target population for the study (N = 175 teachers). Using Yamane's (1967) formula for sample size determination, 151 teachers were randomly sampled for the study with a confidence level of 97% and a margin error of ±3. Closed-ended item questionnaires were used to mine data from the respondents. The reliability of the items in the questionnaires was tested using the Cronbach alpha formula which yielded a = 0.78, which was acceptable for the study. Using SPSS, data were analyzed employing descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviations and the results were presented in tables. The study discovered a high endorsement by teachers on the need for a new Social Studies curriculum that provides an opportunity for meaningful learning; a call for Social Studies curriculum reform to create a room for student-centered learning to improve learning outcomes of students in line with SDG 4. The study recommends curriculum reforms, capacity-building programmes for teachers based on training needs; supply of relevant instructional resources; expansion of SHSs infrastructure and rethinking a ban on SHSs students' use of phones and personal laptops on campuses.

Male personal heat exposures and fecundability: A preconception cohort study.

Several studies indicate adverse effects of selected heat exposures on semen quality, but few studies have directly evaluated fertility as an endpoint. We evaluated prospectively the association between male heat exposures and fecundability, the per-cycle probability of conception. We analyzed data from 3041 couples residing in the United States or Canada who enrolled in a prospective preconception cohort study (2013-2021). At enrollment, males reported on several heat-related exposures, such as use of saunas, hot baths, seat heaters, and tight-fitting underwear. Pregnancy status was updated on female follow-up questionnaires every 8weeks until conception or a censoring event (initiation of fertility treatment, cessation of pregnancy attempts, withdrawal, loss to follow-up, or 12 cycles), whichever came first. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between heat exposures and fecundability, mutually adjusting for heat exposures and other potential confounders. We observed small inverse associations for hot bath/tub use (≥3vs. 0 times/month: FR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.70-1.07) and fever in the 3 months before baseline (FR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.79-1.12; one cycle of follow-up: FR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.64-1.11). Little association was found for sauna use, hours of laptop use on one's lap, seat heater use, time spent sitting, and use of tight-fitting underwear. Based on a cumulative heat metric, FRs for 1, 2, 3, and ≥4versus 0 heat exposures were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.87-1.12), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.89-1.19), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.74-1.19), and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.50-1.17), respectively. Associations were stronger among men aged ≥30 years (≥4vs. 0 heat exposures: FR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.34-1.04). Male use of hot tubs/baths and fever showed weak inverse associations with fecundability. Cumulative exposure to multiple heat sources was associated with a moderate reduction in fecundability, particularly among males aged ≥30 years.

Variations in Implementation of Biology Online Teaching and Learning in Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study at Senior High Schools in Palembang, South Sumatra

In Palembang, almost all the school have been implemented virtual learning, but not every school has complete facilities to support it. In fact, the completeness of facilities such as smartphones, laptops, a stable internet network, and skills in using various digital platforms greatly affect the independence and learning achievement of students. This study aims at discovering the profile of virtual Biology teaching and learning implementation in senior high schools throughout Palembang. This descriptive study was conducted from February to March 2021 with a random sampling technique. The number of 343 student samples was determined using the Slovin formula with an error tolerance of 5%. The samples were five schools in Palembang city, South Sumatera District with varying (A, B, and C) school accreditation levels. Data were collected in two ways, (1) a google form with 45 questions and (2) a six-question interview with Biology teachers from each school. The resulted data were analyzed descriptively. The descriptive analysis of the students’ responses was done by summarizing and presenting them in diagrams. The results showed that in A, B and C accredited high schools, students have similarities in the use of smartphones and laptops in online learning. The most used applications in online learning were WhatsApp and Zoom Meeting. The results of the questionnaire showed that students at all accredited high schools were not accompanied by their parents since they were independent enough. They, furthermore, experienced obstacles such as difficulty understanding the material, lack of concentration, boredom, and unstable internet network

Managing Educational Technology for Value Re-Orientation and Sustainable National Development

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a backbone in educational sector for value reorientation and sustainable development in Nigerian schools. Its role has virtually diffused educational system, forcing technological changes and creating a culture of dependence on technology. The role of ICT in education for teaching and learning has successfully changed the social, economic, political and education environments in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, ICT has enabled the globalised world become greatly interconnected and interdependent and succeeded in breaking the border walls. The use of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, IPads, internet services, software, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other ICT tools have become the new culture in academic and other institutions. The aim of this paper is to discuss how to manage educational technology for value re-orientation and sustainable national development. It is recommended among other things that government and private individuals alike should try and increase the accessibility of computer hardware and software to the citizens at affordable prices and also that citizens of Nigeria should be educated on the benefits of educational technology for value reorientation and sustainable development.

Electronic screen device usage and screen time among preschool-attending children in a suburban area of Sri Lanka

BackgroundExcessive use of screen devices and screen time are increasing health problems in children. We aim to describe the electronic screen device usage and determine the factors associated with their use among preschool-attending children in a suburban population in Sri Lanka.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a suburban Medical Officer of Health area of Sri Lanka from January to March 2020. All children aged between 36–59 months attending ten randomly selected preschools were recruited. Data were collected using a parent-administered questionnaire and analysed using binary logistic regression in SPSS. The prevalence of electronic device usage, the average time spent on each device, and factors associated with individual device usage were analysed.ResultsA total of 340 children (Male-48%; mean age-50.1 ± 6.9 months) were recruited. Electronic devices were used by 96% of children. The most common devices were the television (87%) and the smartphone (63%). Of the children who used electronic devices, 60% exceeded the recommended screen time limit of one hour per day, 21% used devices for more than two hours per day, and 51% commenced using devices by two years of age. The higher education level of the father was independently associated with the use of smartphones and laptops and daily screen time of more than one hour (p < 0.05 for all). Male sex and being the only child were significantly associated with the use of smartphones, whereas maternal employment was associated with the use of laptops (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsElectronic screen devices were used by 96% of preschool-attending children, and over 60% used them for more than the recommended daily upper limit of one hour. Higher paternal education, maternal employment and being the only child were significantly associated with electronic screen device use.

Engaging the Disengaged: Implementing a No-Tech Policy After Years of Adding Tech to the Classroom

After a decade of adding technology to the classroom, students asking for a laptop ban sent me on a journey of discovery. After a literature review of existing research and a semester of a no-tech policy, I found less tech, not more increases student engagement and learning. Despite more than a dozen studies over the last decade detailing the negative learning effects of laptops in the classroom, the majority of faculty believe that laptop use in class increases learning. I highlight the research findings, explain my experience with the new policy, and provide suggestions on how to attempt your own.