Limiting Off-Task Behavior on Laptops in Classrooms Increases Student Engagement: Use It, or They Will Abuse It

The prevalence of technology and use thereof by part-time learners during lectures presents particular challenges to facilitators of learning. Devices used for learning can be misused for off-task activities, lowering engagement levels, and negatively impacting learning. This research investigated how learners use technology to contribute to learning, but also disengage from the learning process, and contrast it with their personal engagement to determine the potential impact. The quantitative data provides evidence of a relationship between on-task use of technology in the classroom and higher engagement levels in the learning process. Analysis reveals three insights about learning in the age of digital transformation. Firstly, the design of learning interventions should be as interactive as possible to ensure that learners do not disengage. Secondly, facilitators of learning need to ensure their learning design incorporates activities making use of the technology and thus create an environment of digital engagement and active learning. Finally, faculty that use technology to individualize learning should enable students that are working full time to become creators of media and not just consumers.