ERIC Number: EJ904361
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Feb
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1315
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Available Date: N/A
Perceived Academic Effects of Instant Messaging Use
Junco, Reynol; Cotten, Shelia R.
Computers & Education, v56 n2 p370-378 Feb 2011
College students use information and communication technologies at much higher levels and in different ways than prior generations. They are also more likely to multitask while using information and communication technologies. However, few studies have examined the impacts of multitasking on educational outcomes among students. This study fills a gap in this area by utilizing a large-sample web-based survey of college student technology usage to examine how instant messaging and multitasking affect perceived educational outcomes. Since multitasking can impede the learning process through a form of information overload, we explore possible predictors of academic impairment due to multitasking. Results of this study suggest that college students use instant messaging at high levels, they multitask while using instant messaging, and over half report that instant messaging has had a detrimental effect on their schoolwork. Higher levels of instant messaging and specific types of multitasking activities are associated with students reporting not getting schoolwork done due to instant messaging. We discuss implications of these findings for researchers studying the social impacts of technology and those in higher education administration. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Outcomes of Education, Time Management, Internet, Computer Use, Predictor Variables, Student Surveys, Computer Mediated Communication, Synchronous Communication, College Students, Student Behavior, Learning Processes, Influence of Technology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A