2010 Conference Archive

Copyright

This work is archived and distributed under the repository's Standard Copyright and Reuse License (opens in new tab). End users may copy, store, and distribute this work without restriction. For all other uses, permission must be obtained from the copyright owners or their authorized agents.

Abstract

How often do students use laptop computers in class and do we care? For three semesters, a Business School course was taught in a computer lab with a computer on every desk. The computers were not needed in the course but students could use them any time for any reason (note taking, internet, etc.) or could ignore them. For the next three semesters, the same course was taught in a classroom with no computers. Most variables were held constant during the six semesters including the professor, syllabus, textbook, and assessment tools. When computers were available, 58% of the students in a typical class accessed the internet for a median 19 minutes each. A comparison of the student learning outcomes is made for the periods both with and without individual classroom computers. The audience will use “clickers” to answer questions related to their policy concerning laptop computer usage during class.

Location

Room 2904

Publication Type and Release Option

Event

Share

COinS
 
Mar 11th, 3:00 PM Mar 11th, 3:45 PM

Do Students Naturally Use Classroom Technology as a Tool or Distraction?

Room 2904

How often do students use laptop computers in class and do we care? For three semesters, a Business School course was taught in a computer lab with a computer on every desk. The computers were not needed in the course but students could use them any time for any reason (note taking, internet, etc.) or could ignore them. For the next three semesters, the same course was taught in a classroom with no computers. Most variables were held constant during the six semesters including the professor, syllabus, textbook, and assessment tools. When computers were available, 58% of the students in a typical class accessed the internet for a median 19 minutes each. A comparison of the student learning outcomes is made for the periods both with and without individual classroom computers. The audience will use “clickers” to answer questions related to their policy concerning laptop computer usage during class.