Avoid making ‘app’ of yourself with new features

Elizabeth Kirkland
In Motion Staff Writer

College students today find it more difficult to remove themselves from mobile devices. But there are apps for that, too, that help students refocus.

Aside from the typical partying and making friends, most students find it a challenge to support themselves financially and learn at the same time. Added to the usual college life distractions, students say it is increasingly hard to not take advantage and abuse the many functions of mobile devices.

Hector Valle, instructor of the Introduction to Digital Media class at Daytona State College, explains that mobile devices can be used in the classroom as a tool and not just as a hindrance, if students are taught to use them properly.

“Some may argue that it can be a distraction, but the important thing is to teach the students the correct way to use the apps and mobile devices,” said Valle. “We live in an age where the use of these apps will continue to grow and we should embrace these as educational tools rather than shunning them.”

Valle advised students who feel the need for distraction at all times, to not overload their phone with social media, gaming and video applications. He also suggests for those students who feel like they’re becoming addicted to certain applications and games, to use them as a treat after performing a task like finishing their paper or getting through an entire lecture.
To help students refrain from picking up their devices and responding to a text messages or posting a status, there are other apps to completely hinder those distractions.

For Android users only, students will find once they log in their schedule to Studious, the app will automatically silence your phone at the time of class. It also has features to keep a student from forgetting when homework and tests are due.

Currently a DSC photography major, Christina Coleman described her troubles with her cell phone during class.

“Pretty much every day I’m on my cell phone during class and even lectures,” Coleman said. “It’s an urge. I have to pick it up even if the professor is talking. If I’m not on my phone, I feel annoyed.”
Coleman’s only appropriate classroom apps are photo apps like light meters and “Photoshop.” Coleman explained that during class, unless she was working on her photography, she is on her phone or wanting to be on her phone playing “Candy Crush.” She currently does not own an app that blocks her from such vices, but said she will look into it.

Another app like Studious, but created for students like Coleman, is SelfControl, which is dedicated to shutting out the user from web life and forcing them to either wait or do something else with their time. This is accomplished by the user adding their favorite distractions, such as blogs, emails or games, to a “blacklist” for a set period of time. Even if the user restarts their computer, the app is still in control until the timer runs out. This application can be found on www.SelfControl.com.

Unlike Coleman, Joe Dezerga thinks he can separate his focus from his phone to his studies. Dezerga, a part-time videographer and Interactive Media Production program student, takes his mobile device everywhere.

Dezerga explained his secret, “When it comes to my school work and I feel distracted, I have the best app of them all. It’s called the power off button.”