BCM212 – Research pitch

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The internet and technological devices have become increasingly relevant currently for students learning, with universities now presently shifted to a digital environment as a result of the on-going circumstances of the world. It has made devices such as laptops, phone, desktops and tablets essential to how student connect, engage and learn content online.

Thus my research topic is to assess what devices students use/prefer when learning online and attending classes and why?

This topic is both timely and relevant for all BCM212 students due to university students now going online for their learning instead of campus and also all students would have used either of the four devices mentioned above to engage on online classes or learning material atlas once therefore making it a topic of interest and value. It is through this research I am hoping to provide relevant and useful information and data about which devices students are choosing to connect and communicate with online, why and which one is the most beneficial to the students learning experience. For example are students basing their devices off factors such as: 

  • timing 
  • location 
  • economic status (price)
  • Efficiency/ compatibility with software 

I have also used sample twitter polls and questions to provide me with an sense that my topic would be of interest to my target audience enough from them to participate. It is from my two posts I am happy with the amount of interaction I received from students even though my latest post struggled for engagement I am confident it will still be of value to the students of bcm212.

Sample and question from my twitter feed

To ensure this project was worth doing I also researched for evidence, knowledge and data to provide me with the following scope on the topic.

With the website article ” Laptops vs tablets what’s the difference and which is best for students?” by ( Asursion, 2020) stating that for university students a laptop is better equipped to answer all the coursework needs. As laptops can do all the basic’s which a tablet struggles like build presentation, writing and storage space. Although students may simply buy and use a tablet due to its less expensive cost. This website article highlights the connection between which device is more beneficial for students yet why they may use a different device due to external factors.

( Christodoulou, 2020) explains through her online article ” Laptops vs phones: the learning difference” that people seek out their phone in times of stress and using their phone reduces their stress more than using their laptop, even when engaging in the same material. For example a student may choose to use their phone to connect with online material via travelling on public transport as it is more practical and stress free. Showcasing why students devices usage again might be due to external factors more than its benefit.

Again in another online article by CybersafeTT written by (Dhoray, 2020) recommends a guide to the most appropriate devices for students while learning online depending on the level of their education. For university students laptops was rated the highest based on the following skills of typing, editing, website research, online exams and technical challenges with the tablet ranked second and smartphone third. Despite the ranking favouring the use of laptops for university students Dhoray did express compassion and understood that sometimes for students the device is more about price and value then its benefit.

In my last source from the website article techguided (Hale, 2019) states that the difference between benefits for laptop and desktop when learning online was very marginal with students preference largely being decided through factors such as need for mobility, lifespan, issues, costs and upgrades. Although Hale admits the use of laptops is easier and more convenient students can still get by using desktop.

After researching such findings around my topic of what devices students use/prefer when learning online and attending classes and why. I am excited to continue my own research whilst still undergoing more pre-search to get a better variety of sources on the topic and consider other factors that may need to be questioned before beginning first-hand research.

References

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