Laptop Usage and Academic Engagement: A Study of University Students at GCWUS

Abstract

This study investigated laptop usage patterns and their academic impact among 328 university students at Government College Women University, Sialkot (GCWUS). While laptops are essential digital learning tools, understanding their specific usage at GCWUS was unclear. Data from a structured questionnaire revealed widespread academic use for research, assignments, and presentations. However, the study identified gaps in technical skills like software installation and troubleshooting. Chi-square tests showed a significant link between laptop usage duration and academic engagement. Conversely, Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated no significant variation in academic productivity or usage time across disciplines. The findings suggest that effective usage, rather than duration, shapes academic benefits. Recommendations include enhancing digital literacy and institutional support to maximize academic outcomes.

Keywords: laptop usage, academic performance, digital literacy, higher education, student engagement