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Does multitasking in the classroom affect learning outcomes? A naturalistic study.
- Source :
-
Computers in Human Behavior . May2020, Vol. 106, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- University students often engage in multimedia (e.g., texting or social networks) and nonmultimedia (e.g., chatting with neighbors) off-task multitasking behaviors during courses. The aim of the present study was to describe these off-task multitasking behaviors and analyze their effects on learning performance in a real teaching session. More specifically, 187 students attended a cognitive psychology tutorial as usual, taking notes either on paper or on a laptop. In an effort to preserve the ecological setting, they were not informed of our research on multitasking. After 20 min, students had to report the number and duration of off-task multitasking behaviors they had engaged in and complete a learning questionnaire. Results showed that multimedia and nonmultimedia multitasking behaviors were frequent but also additive, especially among students who used a laptop. These behaviors had a negative impact on students' memorization of course content, although we found no significant effects on comprehension. Our study also showed that students who used a laptop had lower memory scores. A mediation analysis confirmed that this deleterious effect was partly attributable to multitasking. These results are discussed in terms of interference between off-task behaviors and the cognitive processes essential for learning. • We studied off-task multitasking effects on learning in a real-life teaching session. • Students engaged in numerous multimedia and nonmultimedia multitasking behaviors. • Multitasking behaviors had a negative impact on the memorization of lecture content. • Students who used a laptop engaged in more multitasking and had lower memory scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 07475632
- Volume :
- 106
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Computers in Human Behavior
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 141664674
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106264