Laptop Multitasking Hinders Classroom Learning for Both Users and Nearby Peers
This article provides many insights to some of the challenges that are faced in the modern society. Our lives are generally busier than any previous generations faced and to meet the challenges of the information age most people multitask regularly to try to keep pace. In fact, multitasking has pretty much become the norm for most individuals and this activity is generally taken for granted. The study analyzed addresses that issue by looking at how multitasking can affect not only the individual involved, but also the individuals in proximity to the multitasker in a learning environment.
"Multitasking is ingrained in our daily lives. As you read this article, you may also be attending to a text message, sipping coffee, or writing out a list of to-dos. Such a lifestyle is intended to increase efficiency; however, there are limitations to how well multiple tasks can be carried out concurrently ... Multitasking places considerable demands on cognitive resources, which, in turn, degrades overall performance, as well as performance on each task in isolation (Sana, Weston, & Cepeda, 2013)."
To test these assumptions, the researchers created a study that focused on students in higher...
The literature review conducted alludes to many other research projects that have focused on the limited resources that are available in an individual's attention. Intuitively, this is common sense. However, to uphold the rigors of the scientific methods such assumptions must be properly tested. Furthermore, there are different aspects to attention that must also be considered. For example, if a task or set of tasks requires an individual's attention along the lines of the same sensory modality, then attention and reaction time can be greatly diminished.
In a classroom environment and with a population that is dedicated to pursuing a higher education, the effects of multitasking can be especially important. The introduction of technology in the classroom has shown some mixed theoretical and empirical findings. In one sense it can be a useful tool to assist a student in such activities as taking notes or accessing supplemental resources. On the other hand, if technology is not used in accordance with specific academic outcomes, then it can represent more of a distraction and can be counterproductive to the student's educational goals. To test the role of multitasking and technology in the classroom, the researchers devised a study that consisted of a student…
