Technology in the classroom: some challenges at the college level

The majority of young people attending CEGEP are connected, but integrating technology into lessons still presents challenges, shows a study carried out last spring by researchers from the University of Montreal and HEC with more than 30,000 CEGEP students.

According to the data collected, 86 % of respondents own a cell phone and 76 % a laptop. However, they are respectively 71 % and 47 % to use them at school. “In interviews, they explain that the computer is too heavy, that they are afraid of breakage or theft, or that computers are available at school. They also point out that teachers generally do not allow them to use their laptops in class, ”the researchers write.

Moreover, a majority of young people agree with banning the use of these tools in class because they consider them distracting. Three quarters have already texted during a course, 47 % posted a Facebook status and 43 % sent an email! A habit that doesn't start at college. Indeed, according to another study, young people aged 13 to 17 send on average 3300 texts per month, including several in class! “Between universal access in the classroom and the formal ban on using these devices, there may be joint solutions that involve targeted and supervised use, in support of learning functions rather than in competition with them,” note the researchers. These elements should be considered in the training of teachers and students. “Especially since technologies have a positive impact on the motivation of young people.

A page for the class on Facebook, the favorite social network of young people? It probably already exists without the teacher being invited to do so. “The fact that there are collaborations between students is perhaps positive given the efforts that are often made in the courses to generate such collaborations,” commented the researchers. However, this raises some concerns about plagiarism. In addition, the fact that in many cases Facebook groups are created for lessons without the teacher being invited or being aware of their existence still raises questions. "

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