Abstract:
We model the tradeoff students face between devoting time to coursework and time for other activities. We show how the model can be used to identify whether computers are productive tools and whether students will learn more when using computers. We present our own empirical findings, in a case study focusing on college composition. Only one-sixth of the students in our study fall into the category indicating that the computer was a productivity enhancing tool even though more than half achieved the same or higher measure of learning.
Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Dr. Mary H. Lesser, Department of Economics, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY 10801-1890 http://www.iona.edu/eea/publications/subandmem.htm