Investigation into a Commercial Application to Reduce Online Distractions Amongst Students

Abstract

Technology is an integral part of the modern learning process; its scope, speed and accessibility effectively make it the most efficient tool for learning. Moreover, with its continuous development and convenience of accessibility there has been a rapid integration of technology into the learning environment. However, as our phones and laptops have become daily tools of mass information, they have equivalently become tools for distractive behaviour, providing individuals with escapes from reality in the form of social networks and endless entertainment feeds. The necessity of this project was recognised upon observing the use of social media platforms in collaborative work for the purpose of academic achievement. The seemingly double edged sword that is social media provided networks for communicating and collaborating in both private and group settings, additionally it presented new avenues for learning and information searching in the form of visual and audible material.

Currently available products in the market aim at reducing social media usage without understanding the beneficial features and functionality that it provides for students. The purpose of this project was firstly to further research the gap in the market for a tool which aids students in their learning through reducing exposure to distractive material without restricting their behaviour. The second aim was to investigate how to appeal to this market. This lead to the conceptualisation of the Prompt application, which allows for utilising social media applications while removing the distractive material and promoting academic sources. The plugin design of the application proposes working alongside current academic platforms to channel material to social media platforms, determined by their continuing popularity.

The initial investigation of this project was framed by literature reviews which revealed additional value in the proposed project. Additional benefits were found in social media platforms and their prominence in individual’s daily lifestyles due to the emotional connection that people had with them. Furthermore, reasons for maintaining access to these platforms were identified through understanding the beneficial effects achieved from a state of arousal through task-switching behaviour. These points of interest provided further guidelines to proceed with the next stages of research.

The methodology approach implemented in this project was of both a qualitative and quantitative nature. A pilot survey was used to gain numerical data on student’s usage of their academic and social media platforms, the information obtained from this was used to advise the one-on-one interview process. One-on-one interviews were then conducted with both students from a range of academic backgrounds and university staff members who worked alongside the academic platforms.

The analysis process revealed key findings surrounding how the platforms were used and to what extent. Furthermore, insight into students attitudes and behaviours surrounding the use of social media revealed a significant level of disconnect between the two. Overall, the key findings indicated a desired response in proposition of the Prompt application. Findings confirmed research assumptions and validated the direction for providing a model that embraces the use of social media for both students and educators.

With the educational system largely disregarding the role that social media platforms have evolved into for students, there is a subsequent failure in the market to adequately provide a solution which caters to both the functional and emotional needs of students. Acknowledging this failure provides the potential to develop an innovative solution that is human-centered in its design for the educational field. The opportunity for this project stemmed from identifying this gap in the market for a project which will develop alongside the constantly changing functionality of technology.