Multitasking in the Classroom: Does Chatting With Friends on the Computer Affect Understanding of a Lecture?

• In Event: Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning SIG: Paper Session 1: Questioning Issues in Instruction

Abstract

The increase in connected devices in today’s learning environments places greater control in the hands of students as to how they use their time during class. This combined with the popularity of social networks and text-based chat tools makes it important to understand the cognitive effects of these tools when used in lecture based classes. This paper reports on the effects of students engaging in a dual-task activity where they use their computer to take notes during a lecture while maintaining a text chat conversation. The analysis includes pre and post-test quantitative measures and context provided through qualitative analysis of surveys and interviews. Implications for classroom laptop use are also discussed.

Authors

• Chris William Bigenho, Greenhill School & University of North Texas, Denton

• Lin Lin, University of North Texas