A study of students' perspective on the teaching-learning activity in a digital society

This case study looks at upper-secondary school students’ opinions about the use of digital and non-digital tools in the classroom. One of schools’ most important aims is to prepare students for a well-adapted citizenship. In a world of digitalisation, schools are also implementing more and more digital tools in teaching situations and many students in Sweden have access to a computer each at school. This paper investigates how students feel about note-taking using paper and pen or computer, what they feel is important for their futures and what preferences they have when it comes to the use of digital media in their lessons. A focus group interview (n=7) was carried out. From the themes found through the interview, a questionnaire was constructed and answered by 66 students. The results show that students are divided in their preferences for taking notes by hand or by computer. Students see the benefits and limitations of both methods. They generally find it easier and faster to type on the computer, but are concerned about the distractions that the computer offers. They feel that hand-writing is more time-consuming but that it is better for remembering the material. Overall, they find that hand-writing is better for learning (better now) but that being dexterous using the computer is important for their future (better in the future). It is important that teachers foster both skills so that students get a balanced education