R U all there? Texting, surfing, and e-tasking in the classroom and its effects on learning

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of first-year engineering students and their perceived ability to multitask while in class. Students are now exposed to numerous sources of electronic distraction such as text messages, instant messaging, email, and web browsing which are now all conveniently available on their smart phones or in other portable electronic formats. The results of this study between a control group (students without any e-tasking opportunities) and a cohort group with freedom to e-task during class showed statistically significantly lower content retention scores amongst the e-taskers. In addition, there was a statistically significantly lower self-reported perception of their knowledge retention as compared with the control group. Recommendations on how to handle e-taskers and strategies to deal with the Net generation of students we now see in our classrooms are presented and reviewed. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.