The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning

Abstract

In this study, we examined the impact of mobile phone usage, during class lecture, on student learning. Participants in three different study groups (control, low-distraction, and high-distraction) watched a video lecture, took notes on that lecture, and took two learning assessments after watching the lecture. Students who were not using their mobile phones wrote down 62% more information in their notes, took more detailed notes, were able to recall more detailed information from the lecture, and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on a multiple choice test than those students who were actively using their mobile phones. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Texting
• Student Learning
• Texting in the Classroom
• Technology
• Mobile Phone

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff

Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff (Ph.D., Ohio University) is an Adjunct Faculty Member in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University

Scott Titsworth

Scott Titsworth (Ph.D., University of Nebraska) is Dean of the Scripps College of Communication