The consequences of Electronics in Class

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• The researchers found that students who had been in a class where electronic devices were allowed performed 5% worse in their exams

• This suggests that there is a ripple effect occurring, with other people using electronics still providing a distraction.

• One reason why electronics had such negative effects is because of a misconception amongst students that they are able to effectively multi-task (i.e. using electronics whilst still paying attention in class).

• Previous research has suggested that students who take notes on their laptop are more likely to do so verbatim, compared to those who do it by pen and paper. Taking notes down word for word leads to shallower learning, as students do not process the material as deeply.

• Limit notifications – students should change the settings on their electronics to determine what they are notified of and when. Turn it off – when in class students should turn electronics off so they are not distracted by any notifications. If they can’t manage to turn the electronics off, they should put them in airplane mode or put them in their bag rather than having them out next to them. Resist the urge to reply – as soon as a message comes through, students have an urge to reply. But try to encourage the mindset that a message often does not need replying to immediately or even at all. Leave electronics at home or with someone they trust – this means students will not have electronics with them, so they cannot be distracted.