Note-Taking and
Learning: Computer vs.
Pen and Paper
Christopher Devers
Jessica Hoffman
Christine Lee
Emily Ragsdale
Why Study Note-Taking
Methods?
• Classroom laptop use is on the rise (Fried, 2008)
• Little research investigates computer learning
to alternate methods of learning
• Studies have found contradictory results on
the effectiveness of laptop use in the
classroom (Rockman et al., 1997, 1998, 2000; Fried, 2008)
Past Research
• Laptop immersion programs have displayed
positive results on student learning and
curriculum delivery (Rockman et al., 1997, 1998, 2000)
• Classroom laptop use has also been
correlated with a decrease in performance
(Fried, 2008)
• Multitasking on computers during class has
resulted in lower test scores (Sana et al., 2013)
Current Study
• Evaluates the effectiveness of computer use in the
classroom when compared to alternate methods of
learning
• Investigates the influence of computer vs. pen and
paper note-taking on information retention for
students
• Controls for variables that might be related to low
performance with computer use (i.e., multitasking)
Research Question
Is computer note-taking more
effective than pen and paper notetaking in students’ ability to retain
information?
Undergraduate Students (N=58)
Method
Computer NoteTaking (N=28)
Pretest
Video and
Computer Notes
Posttest
Pen/Paper NoteTaking (N=30)
Pretest
Video and
Pen/Paper Notes
Posttest
Study Design
• Undergraduate students from University of San
Diego and Indiana Wesleyan University (N=58)
Example Questions
• Define the following terms:
• Capillary
• Atrium
• Answer the following questions to the best of your
ability:
• Which artery carries deoxygenated blood?
• Why is your right ventricle less muscular than your left
ventricle?
• Why is it that often, when the heart stops functioning
properly, it is the failure of the left ventricle (not the
right ventricle)?
Adapted from Chi et al. (2001)
Results
• t(58)= 0.58, p= 0.56
• Preliminary results indicate no significant
differences between computer note-taking (M= 2.13,
SD= 1.78) and pen and paper note-taking (M= 1.86,
SD= 1.84)
Conclusions
• We gained a better understanding of when and how
to use computers in the classroom
• Findings may indicate:
• Computer usage for only note-taking may not detract
from student learning
• Rather, it is they way in which students use their
computers in class
• Remaining data is still being analyzed
Limitations
• Difficulty level of the test content
• Potential for test fatigue due to the length of the
study
• Small number of participants
Future Research
• Evaluate the ways in which students are using
computers in class
• Continue to control for variables causing distraction
• Combine concurrent self-explanation with various
learning methods
References
•
Chi, M., Siler, S., Jeong, H., Yamauchi, T., & Hausmann, R. (2001). Learning from human tutoring.
Cognititve Science, 25, 471-533.
•
Fried, C. B. (2008). In-class laptop use and its effects on student learning. Computers & Education, 50(3),
906-914.
•
Rockman et. al. (1997). Report of a laptop program pilot: A project for Anytime Anywhere Learning by
Microsoft Corporation Notebooks for Schools by Toshiba America Information Systems. San Francisco,
CA: Rockman et al.
•
Rockman et al. (1998). Powerful tools for schooling: Second year study of the laptop program – A project
for Anytime Anywhere Learning by Microsoft Corporation Notebooks for Schools by Toshiba America
Information Systems. San Francisco, CA: Rockman et al.
•
Rockman et al. (2000). A more complex picture: Laptop use and impact in the context of changing home
and school access – the third in a series of research studies on Microsoft’s Anytime Anywhere Learning
program San Francisco, CA: Rockman et al.
•
Sana, F., Weston, T., & Cepeda, N. (2013). Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users
and nearby peers. Computers & Education, 62, 24-31.
•
Tugend, A. (2008). Multitasking can make you lose ... um ... focus. The New York Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/25/business/yourmoney/25shortcuts.html
Questions
• christopherdevers@gmail.com