technology use and collaboration in group study rooms

They are accustomed to integration of

modern technology into their everyday

lives.

› Technology is an expected service.

Multitasking is habitual.

› Students use multiple technologies at once.

Students prefer to work together in

groups rather than alone, even if they

are not working on the same projects.

13 group study rooms

Weekdays 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Surveys and Observations

› 50 groups observed, total of 123 students

› 29 surveys, 111 students

› 234 total students

Table

Window

Writable Walls

Chairs

Tray for dry erase

markers

Window

Projection Screens

Connectors to

projection screens

Exit

78.0%

14.6%7.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Academic Social Unsure

More often than not they were not used.

Complaints:

› Not enough markers in room.

› Didn’t like colored walls. Liked the color in

the room, but not as writable surfaces.

However, 31% indicated that the dry-

erase walls were one of the things they

liked best about the rooms or why they

chose to study there

70% of the time not in use.

Only 2% of observed students were using

the screens to full capacity, with different

content on each screen

Complaints:

› Mac adaptors not available in rooms.

› Many unable to get the screens to work.

Also cited as a reason for using the room

or one of the most desirable features.

11

1%

6

6% 5

6%

4

15%

3

23%

2

36%

1

13%

Collaborative

55%

Non-

Collaborative

35%

Unsure

10%

Group Size Was the activity collaborative?

55%

38% 38%34% 34%

31% 28%

21%

10% 10%

3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Wall color

21%

Room

Configuration

/Furniture

17%

Markers

10%Size

10%Cleanliness

7%

Lighting

7%

Temperature

7%

Windows

7%

Technology

problem

7%

Sound

4%

Availability

3%

Social aspect

Control

Variety

Large spaces

Simplicity

Instant gratification

Replace colored writable walls with white walls, and paint a non-writable surface a different color.

Install clearer directions for using projection screens and speakers.

Hang more permanent signs directing students to Learning Commons Service Desks for assistance or materials.

Install Mac adaptors?

Better website content

Large tables.

Comfortable, flexible furniture.

White writable walls, color on other walls.

Equipment that is both PC and Mac compatible.

Permanent signs directing students to help.

Lights that can be dimmed or adjusted.

Temperature control.