Task selection, task switching and multitasking during computer-based independent study

Abstract

Detailed logs of students' computer use, during independent study sessions, were captured in an open-access computer laboratory. Each log consisted of a chronological sequence of tasks representing either the application or the Internet domain displayed in the workstation's active window. Each task was classified using a three-tier schema according to its likely context of use: The top-level categories being Academic, Communication, Information, Recreation and Applications. Students switched tasks frequently - median task duration was only 31 seconds. Approximately 30% of all tasks were Academic with the majority of these involving the university's learning management system. Communication a..