Impacts of Mobile Computing on Student Learning in the University: A Comparison of Course Assessment Data

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of wireless, mobile computing tools on student assessment outcomes. In a campus-wide wireless, mobile computing environment at an upper Midwest university, an empirical analysis is applied to understand the relationship between student performance and Tablet PC use. An experimental/control group comparison of mobile computing enabled learning outcomes in selected courses showed that the integration of wireless technology and highly functional computing tools did not have a negative effect on student assessment results. Out of the four courses evaluated, none of the revealed test scores were statistically different between non-using and mobile computer using groups, indicating no negative impacts of the introduction of ubiquitous technology into the classroom. A freshman-level college math course showed statistically significantly positive differences in course assessment scores when mobile computing was implemented over the same timeline. Results are discussed.