Preventing Digital Distraction in Higher Education Classrooms

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Engaging the Educator: Technology and Cognition Research Developed for and Led by Teachers (Table 16)

Abstract

Technology is recognized as a valuable learning tool, but research shows that students may also get distracted in class due to technology usage. Instructors must integrate technology effectively to reduce digital distractions, especially as college students heavily rely on their devices for learning. Thus, this study investigated the effects of behavior strategies (visual prompts) related to in-class device usage among undergraduate students. At the end of the semester, we surveyed the students on their perspectives on the strategy for device usage. Most students found value in the use of technology devices in class for their learning (efficient work, notetaking, concentration) and indicated overall positive effects of the color prompts strategy.

Authors

• Jiyeon Park, Eastern Kentucky University

• Minwook Ok, University of Texas at Austin