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Protecting students' focus: Challenges and possibilities of digital tools in the classroom

Shurafa Forsberg, Lydia LU (2025) KOGM21 20251
Cognitive Science
Abstract
In today’s technology-driven classrooms, maintaining student focus is increasingly challenging. This study investigates the impact of "Focus room", a digital tool developed by Trelson, designed to reduce digital distractions and support sustained attention during class. Through an observational study in a Swedish school, four 8th grade student classes were observed before and during the use of Focus room. The study measured various types of distractions that can occur during computer integrated lessons and their correlation with test performance. Results indicate that Focus room contributed to a calmer classroom environment, reduced multitasking, and improved students’ ability to stay on task. While not all distractions were eliminated,... (More)
In today’s technology-driven classrooms, maintaining student focus is increasingly challenging. This study investigates the impact of "Focus room", a digital tool developed by Trelson, designed to reduce digital distractions and support sustained attention during class. Through an observational study in a Swedish school, four 8th grade student classes were observed before and during the use of Focus room. The study measured various types of distractions that can occur during computer integrated lessons and their correlation with test performance. Results indicate that Focus room contributed to a calmer classroom environment, reduced multitasking, and improved students’ ability to stay on task. While not all distractions were eliminated, both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that Focus room can enhance focus and possibly learning outcomes if effectively implemented. The findings highlight the importance of schools offering limited and structured digital environments, along with great teacher-leadership as one way to protect students focus. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Shurafa Forsberg, Lydia LU
supervisor
organization
course
KOGM21 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Cognitive science, Digital distractions, Focus, Multitasking, Learning outcomes, Classroom environment, Attention
language
English
id
9205734
date added to LUP
2025-07-01 08:47:06
date last changed
2025-07-01 08:47:06
@misc{9205734,
  abstract     = {{In today’s technology-driven classrooms, maintaining student focus is increasingly challenging. This study investigates the impact of "Focus room", a digital tool developed by Trelson, designed to reduce digital distractions and support sustained attention during class. Through an observational study in a Swedish school, four 8th grade student classes were observed before and during the use of Focus room. The study measured various types of distractions that can occur during computer integrated lessons and their correlation with test performance. Results indicate that Focus room contributed to a calmer classroom environment, reduced multitasking, and improved students’ ability to stay on task. While not all distractions were eliminated, both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that Focus room can enhance focus and possibly learning outcomes if effectively implemented. The findings highlight the importance of schools offering limited and structured digital environments, along with great teacher-leadership as one way to protect students focus.}},
  author       = {{Shurafa Forsberg, Lydia}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Protecting students' focus: Challenges and possibilities of digital tools in the classroom}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}