Examining Predictive Factors and Effects of In-Class Multitasking with Mobile Phones

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): Deng, Liping; Ku, Kelly Yee Lai; Kong, Qiuyi
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Interactive Technology and Smart Education. 2019 16(1):49-58.
  • Publication Date:
    2019
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.emeraldinsight.com
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      10
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Telecommunications; Handheld Devices; Time on Task; Time Management; Attention; College Students; Foreign Countries; Student Behavior; Learner Engagement; Social Influences
    • Subject Terms:
      Hong Kong
    • Accession Number:
      10.1108/ITSE-08-2018-0056
    • ISSN:
      1741-5659
    • Abstract:
      Purpose: The study aims to give a descriptive account of university students' engagement with non-learning-related activities during class time and explore the relationship between off-task multitasking and learning. The predictive factors for off-task multitasking from individual, social and class-related dimensions are also examined. Design/methodology/approach: Contextualized in a comprehensive university in Hong Kong, the study adopts a survey design and involves 79 samples. Findings: The data show that Hong Kong university students are avid users of mobile phones and heavily engage with digital devices. Off-task multitasking with mobile phones is a common phenomenon, yet not related to learning performance. Among the various media and apps on mobile phones, instant messenger stands out as the most frequently used app on a daily basis and inside the classroom. The individual device-use habit and classroom engagement are significant predictors for off-task multitasking during class time. Practical implications: This paper will allow teachers and students to be more aware of the causes and effects of off-task multitasking behaviors during class time and derive practical guidance and strategies to pay heed to and resist the disruptive influence of technologies on learning. Originality/value: The existing scholarly work show a mixed and incomplete picture regarding the effects and determining factors of students' multitasking. This study includes three variables from individual, social and teaching/learning dimensions and seeks to evaluate their predictive strengths. The results of the study will deepen our understanding of the patterns of off-task multitasking.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2019
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1207416