In this study, we examined the impact of mobile phone usage, during class lecture, on
student learning. Participants in three different study groups (control, low-distraction,
and high-distraction) watched a video lecture, took notes on that lecture, and took two
learning assessments after watching the lecture. Students who were not using their mobile
phones wrote down 62% more information in their notes, took more detailed notes, were
able to recall more detailed information from the lecture, and scored a full letter grade
and a half higher on a multiple choice test than those students who were actively using
their mobile phones. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Keywords: Texting; Student Learning; Texting in the Classroom; Technology; Mobile