Problems of Online Communication : re-assessing mobile phone usage among young people during the COVID pandemic in Thailand and other countries.

Abstract

        Despite widespread agreement that some restrictions are necessary, especially for younger children, the COVID pandemic has imposed new conditions where digital interaction is strongly encouraged or mandated to minimise disease transmission.  In these circumstances, several broad pragmatic guidelines for the use of mobile phones are proposed to: (a) promote (both in educational and home settings) more selective and responsible use of mobile devices; (b) minimise avoidable distractions and reduce time lost or wasted; (c) encourage and enable direct social interactions; and (d) still take advantage of these technologies, for remote communication and accessing relevant information when necessary, to achieve positive learning outcomes.

        Part of the growing debate about impacts of digital devices on learning relates to mobile phone usage.  Amid heightened concerns about standards of literacy and numeracy, educationalists in a number of countries have identified distraction / interruption / lack of concentration / cyber-bullying and other health problems, as issues associated with phone use in schools.  This paper briefly summarises the challenges and implications of unrestricted phone use, and compares or planned strategies, formulated to alleviate perceived problems in traditional educational settings.