Aug 21, 2018, 2:01 PM
(from EdSurge) When students divide their attention between electronic devices and a classroom lecture, they may follow the lecture in the moment — but they're less likely to retain that information over the long term, resulting in lower grades. Referring to his new study published in the journal Educational Psychology, Rutgers professor Arnold Glass said it's fine for a student to use a phone or other digital device to take notes. The problem arises when the student's attention is divided by that device, such as through texting. Her immediate comprehension may not suffer, but "a week later, they don't remember it because that's the effect of dividing attention," he said.
Another potential downside of even one student using a device for non-classroom purposes, such as texting, watching a video or playing a game: She can distract nearby students. "They're affecting the whole qualify of the classroom," Glass said. "[T]here should be general rules I think in the classroom so that people who bother to come to class can get the most out of it that they can."
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