The Impact of Web Browsing on Classroom Learning Performance

In a growing number of classes, students have internet access through laptop or laboratory computers. Internet access could enhance student learning by allowing them to read online course materials provided by the instructor plus other material relevant to the course. However, students may be distracted from the class by surfing the Internet, chatting online, checking emails, and so on. Therefore, one may wonder, on balance, whether or not Internet access is beneficial to learning. This study employed a controlled experiment to investigate how Internet access influences classroom learning. Browsing non-class web sites during class time had a detrimental effect on students’ learning, but student access to class-related web sites improved it. Therefore instructors should consider using control mechanisms to block access to nonclass web sites during class lectures. Students should be encouraged to browse through slides while listening to the lecture.