Gender Effects on Emotional States and Knowledge Acquisition During Tablet Computer–Based Learning in Economics

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-2 - Emerging Technology Environments for Learning

Abstract

With regard to the field of economics, there is little evidence of how computer-based learning environments are perceived differently by female and male learners. This study analyzed the emotional experience of secondary school economics students (N=103, male n=45; female n=58) participating in a series of tablet computer-based lessons for self-regulated learning purposes. A continuous-state-sampling-instrument periodically tracked the emotional states of the participants. Moreover, a knowledge test was used to measure learning outcomes within a pre-post-follow-up-test-design. The results showed that all tablet computer-based lessons were experienced significantly more positive by male learners who also demonstrated significantly higher learning outcomes. The findings illustrate that female and male learners profit unequally when using tablet computers for self-regulated learning.

Authors

• Matthias Josef Conrad, University of Konstanz

• Stephan Schumann, University of Konstanz