Students who use digital devices such as laptops and tablets in university lectures and seminars are likely to perform worse in their exams, according to a recent study. The research indicates a 'substantial negative effect' on academic outcomes when students are permitted to access computers and the internet during class time.
The paper, conducted at the United States Military Academy, found that students who were allowed to use computers scored 0.18 standard deviations lower on their final exams compared to a control group who did not have computer access. This difference is considered significant in academic terms, equivalent to moving from a B+ to a B grade, or a drop of approximately 1.7 percentage points on a 100-point scale.
Researchers meticulously controlled for various factors that could influence performance, including students' prior academic ability, motivation levels, and instructor quality. This rigorous methodology strengthens the conclusion that the use of digital devices itself is a key contributor to the poorer results, rather than other confounding variables.
The study suggests that the presence of digital devices may encourage students to focus more on transcribing information rather than actively engaging with and processing the material being taught. This shift from deep learning to superficial note-taking could explain the observed decline in comprehension and subsequent exam performance.
While the study was conducted in a specific institutional setting, its findings have significant implications for higher education institutions across the UK. As universities increasingly integrate technology into learning environments, understanding its potential drawbacks becomes crucial for optimising student success.