Investigating the Benefits and Challenges of Using Laptop Computers in Higher Education Classrooms
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| Title: | Investigating the Benefits and Challenges of Using Laptop Computers in Higher Education Classrooms |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kay, Robin Holding, Lauricella, Sharon |
| Source: | Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology. Spr 2014 40(2). |
| Availability: | Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: cnie-rcie@cnie-rcie.ca; Web site: http://www.cjlt.ca |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 25 |
| Publication Date: | 2014 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Laptop Computers, Higher Education, College Students, Computer Software, Computer Mediated Communication, Notetaking, Social Networks, Video Technology, Computer Games, Research, Teaching Methods, Learning Activities, Cooperation, Student Surveys, Predictor Variables |
| ISSN: | 1499-6677 |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits and challenges using laptop computers (hereafter referred to as laptops) inside and outside higher education classrooms. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 156 university students (54 males, 102 females) enrolled in either education or communication studies. Benefits of using laptops in class were active note taking, particularly when instructors provided materials ahead of time, searching for academic resources, use of subject-specific software, communicating and sharing information with peers, and engaging with online interactive tools. Challenges of using laptops inside the class included surfing the web for personal reasons, social networking with peers and, to a lesser extent, entertainment in the form of watching video podcasts or playing games. Benefits were reported far more often than challenges inside the classroom. Benefits of using laptops outside of class included collaboration with peers, increased productivity, and conducting research. Challenges of using laptops outside of class included surfing the web for personal reasons, social networking, and entertainment. Benefits and challenges were reported equally often outside the classroom. More research needs to be conducted on the extent to which distractions impede learning and productivity inside and outside the class. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Number of References: | 43 |
| Entry Date: | 2014 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1030425 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits and challenges using laptop computers (hereafter referred to as laptops) inside and outside higher education classrooms. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 156 university students (54 males, 102 females) enrolled in either education or communication studies. Benefits of using laptops in class were active note taking, particularly when instructors provided materials ahead of time, searching for academic resources, use of subject-specific software, communicating and sharing information with peers, and engaging with online interactive tools. Challenges of using laptops inside the class included surfing the web for personal reasons, social networking with peers and, to a lesser extent, entertainment in the form of watching video podcasts or playing games. Benefits were reported far more often than challenges inside the classroom. Benefits of using laptops outside of class included collaboration with peers, increased productivity, and conducting research. Challenges of using laptops outside of class included surfing the web for personal reasons, social networking, and entertainment. Benefits and challenges were reported equally often outside the classroom. More research needs to be conducted on the extent to which distractions impede learning and productivity inside and outside the class. |
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| ISSN: | 1499-6677 |
