Mobile Phone Multitasking and Learning

Abstract

In recent years, mobile phones and smart devices have become commonplace in the classroom. Students often use them while engaged in learning, both in and out of the classroom. Although such use is referred to as multitasking, researchers have noted that the learner is rapidly switching between different activities on one device or on multiple devices/media. In this article, the authors describe and discuss the research that has examined the relation between such multitasking using mobile phones or laptops and learning. A review of the extant research suggests that the effects of multitasking depend on the learning setting. Studies conducted in the laboratory have found differences between multitasking and non-multitasking participants with regard to efficiency, but not comprehension. In contrast, studies that have examined the effect of multitasking during live lectures have found negative effects on learning and recall. This article discusses possible reasons for these differences, examine the implications for learning, and identify questions for future research.