Until now, official research has not taken place about the effect of classroom computing on learning –other than small-scale experiments. However, recent findings from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that students who use devices for note-taking are easily distracted on the internet –whether checking their email, doing other assignments or browsing the internet.
Another study has shown that reading notes from computer screens negatively affects the ability to fully understand and retain it. The study took place at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and it compared the results of different classrooms where laptop/tablet usage was either restricted or unrestricted. The results from the study found that “computer devices have a substantial negative effect on academic performance… Estimates imply that permitting computers or laptops in a classroom lowers overall exam grades by around one fifth”. This study took place in a military university, so the impact in non-military universities is likely to be much worse. The researchers said “In a learning environment with lower incentives for performance, fewer disciplinary restrictions on distracting behaviour, and larger class sizes, the effects of internet-enabled technology on achievement may be larger”.
So the secrets to increasing your chances of exam success (with a laptop!):
- The best way to ensure you are able to retain lecture information when sitting in the exam hall, as well as having neat and organised revision notes, is to handwrite the notes when attending lectures, and typing them up after that. This will allow you to type the notes in your own words, and organise them clearly, which is ideal for helping you to recall information in the exam –and improving chances of success!
- Laptops/tablets are very helpful if your lecturer happens to be talking too fast, it is helpful to take pictures of PowerPoint slides or your friend’s notes to ensure you are not missing anything! An even better idea is to record the lecture, so you are able to repeatedly listen to it.
- It has been proven that writing with a pen results in higher quality learning, however it does not specify which kind of pen! Stylus pens are great for note-taking with tablets if you do not want to give up typing, and they still allow you to write in your own handwriting to personalise your notes, increasing the chances of you remembering them in the exam hall!
- If you do not want to stop taking notes with your laptop/tablet, ensure you turn your internet off while in the lecture hall, so you can concentrate on note-taking.
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