Mobile Phone Multitasking and Learning

Research output: Chapter or Contribution to BookEntry for encyclopedia/dictionary

Abstract

In recent years, mobile phones and smart devices have become commonplace in the classroom. Students often use them while engaged in learning, both in and out of the classroom. Although such use is referred to as multitasking, researchers have noted that the learner is rapidly switching between different activities on one device or on multiple devices/media. In this article, the authors describe and discuss the research that has examined the relation between such multitasking using mobile phones or laptops and learning. A review of the extant research suggests that the effects of multitasking depend on the learning setting. Studies conducted in the laboratory have found differences between multitasking and non-multitasking participants with regard to efficiency, but not comprehension. In contrast, studies that have examined the effect of multitasking during live lectures have found negative effects on learning and recall. This article discusses possible reasons for these differences, examine the implications for learning, and identify questions for future research.
Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Mobile Phone Behavior
EditorsZheng Yan
PublisherIGI Global
Chapter7
Pages82-92
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9781466682405
ISBN (Print)9781466682399
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Human Aspects of Technology
  • Information Science Reference
  • Mobile and Wireless Computing
  • Social Sciences & Humanities

Disciplines

  • Psychiatry and Psychology

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