Digital Devices in Mathematics Classes: A Negative Distraction or a Key to Success?

The use of digital devices in the classroom is a contentious issue in many countries, especially after its extensive use during COVID-19. This research aimed to study the current status of the students regarding their use of digital devices. The study was conducted in one of the girls' schools. The sample consisted of 60 students from cycle 2 and 65 students from cycle 3. The study revealed that most of the students used 2 or 3 digital devices. The students also showed the most digital devices used are laptops and smartphones while smartwatches were the least. Results revealed that students use digital devices for leisure for a longer time than for learning. They also showed high levels of distraction while using digital devices as well as when their colleagues do. Interestingly, Cycle 2 students see the digital devices in mathematics classes as a key to success while Cycle 3 students see them as a negative distraction. As a result, there is a need to put policies in place at schools to control the use of digital devices and reduce the digital distraction that affects students') achievement in mathematics.