Laptops in classroom interaction: Deconstructing the networked situation

Journal article, 2015

The screen, as part of networked technologies such as phones, tablets and laptops is at present a debated subject as it affects how people behave in meetings, lectures and other social gatherings. As these networked technologies attract attention and mediates interaction during physical social gatherings, they also change how we perceive and define what a situation is. In this article we focus on the different types of screen related interactions identified in a higher education classroom. Since these networked technologies are commonplace at university campuses it is important to describe their effects on everyday situations such as lectures. While a range of studies have raised questions regarding the negative effects of multitasking, screen peeking and other laptop related side effects this article emphasise the situational impact of student-laptop interaction. The contribution emphasises on the computer mediated interaction with both other students, external others as well as a range of digital resources. The research thus aims at providing educators and researchers with a model to advance their understanding of the laptoped and networked situation. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.