How Deeply Does Media and Technology Usage Affect the Sustained Attention?

ABSTRACT

Sustained attention, a fundamental function of attention, also plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of other aspects of attention, such as selective attention, divided attention, and general cognitive capacity. Effective recognition, learning, and memory cannot be achieved in a learning process that does not involve sustained attention. This study, therefore, aims to define the relationships between the sustained attention level of students in higher education and their media and technology usage behaviors. This study of 198 university students was designed using quantitative methodology. A computerized sustained attention test (~65 hours) and the media and technology usage scale were used as data collection tools. According to the findings, there is a significant relationship between sustained attention levels and playing multi-user games. With the data obtained from this research, it is aimed to create a roadmap based on learner characteristics in order to define user profiles and customize designs accordingly.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [117K663].

Notes on contributors

Mehmet Kokoç

Mehmet Kokoç is an associate professor at Trabzon University, Turkey. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology from Hacettepe University. His research interests primarily focus on open and distance learning, learning analytics, cognitive profiling, video use in e-learning, and social media in education.

Hale Ilgaz

Hale Ilgaz is an associate professor at Ankara University. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology from Hacettepe University. Her research interests include distance education, e-learning, instructional design, cognitive processes in e-learning environments, and human-computer interaction.

Arif Akçay

Arif Akçay is a faculty member at Kastamonu University, Turkey. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Education and Instructional Technology from Hacettepe University. His research interests primarily focus on cognitive individual differences in the learning environments, multimedia learning design, biometric measurements in learning environments.