Motivation of 14 Year-old Students using Tablets, compared to those using Textbooks and Workbooks

Abstract

Intrinsic motivation is important and it can be divided in different dimensions. The Self-Determination Theory is based on intrinsic motivation. The test based on this theory was given to 14-year old students from three different schools: one where students used tablets in the science class during the 2015-16 school year, and two schools where students used textbooks and workbooks for the same subject in the classroom and at home. The test measured three dimensions of intrinsic motivation: interest and satisfaction in connection with the tasks they perform, how they perceive their competence to use the necessary tools to study and the value of the tasks they perform. The results show that students using tablets are more motivated in the three dimensions measured by the test than those using the textbook.