Examining the Role of Multitasking on Academic Performance of University Undergraduates.

Abstract

Nowadays, majority of the youth use more than one information and communication technologies such as smart phones, tablets and laptops. These devices allow them to do many activities simultaneously such as talk on the phone while check the Facebook account and listen to music while studying, or surfing internet with more than one site on the web. Thus, it is important to investigate whether this multitasking behavior of the undergraduates will effect on their academic performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the university students’ multitasking behavior and to determine the impacts of this multitasking on their university Grade Point Average (GPA). The population of this study was 3rd and 4th year undergraduates of the Department of Commerce and Financial Management of University of Kelaniya. A random sample of 100 is taken. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A pilot study with 30 students has done to check the reliability of the questionnaire. The data analysis showed that there is a significant negative impact of ICT Usage and Internet skills on GPA. Also, there is a significant negative impact of Multitasking behavior on GPA. Further, the multitasking is a mediating factor between Internet skills, ICT usage and GPA of the undergraduates. The findings of the study revealed that, concentrating too many activities at one time leads to decrease the academic performance of the undergraduates.