The Association Between Technology-Based Multitasking and Students' Academic Performance at Rangsit International College

Abstract

This study examined whether digital multitasking, cognitive load and technology use predict academic performance among university students at Rangsit International College. Using a quantitative approach grounded in Threaded Cognition Theory, it applied Python-based multiple linear regression to survey data from n=196 students across three independent variables and three hypotheses. Technology Use was the only statistically significant GPA predictor (β=0.137, p=0.004, adjusted R²=0.031), while Digital Multitasking (p=0.946) and Cognitive Load (p=0.588) were not significant. This suggests that how students use technology matters more than multitasking behavior alone.

Kyaw Swar Hein in a white shirt and tie in front of the RSUCON 2026 conference banner — Presenting research at RSUCON 2026 on technology-based multitasking and student academic performance.

Overview

This project involved conducting, publishing, and presenting an academic research study at the RSU International Research Conference 2026 (RSUCON 2026). The paper — “The Association Between Technology-Based Multitasking and Students’ Academic Performance at Rangsit International College” — examined whether digital multitasking, cognitive load, and technology use predict academic performance among university students.

Research Process

The process ran from problem identification through literature review, conceptual framework development, hypothesis design, survey instrument creation, data collection, and Python-based statistical analysis — covering the full academic research lifecycle.

Analysis involved data cleaning and validation, descriptive statistics, correlation checks, and multiple linear regression using Statsmodels. Findings were interpreted against the theoretical framework, discussed for practical implications, and written up in publication-ready academic format.

The team then prepared conference presentation materials and delivered the findings live at RSUCON 2026, fielding questions from faculty, fellow researchers, and cross-discipline academics.

Outcome

The paper was accepted and published in the RSUCON 2026 proceedings (ISBN e-book 978-616-421-246-6, pp. 387–397), giving the research a formal academic publication record.

Beyond publication, the conference experience provided direct exposure to how research is communicated, challenged, and applied across disciplines. Participating in Q&A, listening to other researchers, and discussing methodology with experienced academics significantly strengthened analytical thinking and research communication skills.

The project reinforced a working understanding of statistical modeling, evidence-based reasoning, and the gap between statistical significance and practical effect size — all directly applicable to data science roles.

E-Book Publication

The research was included in the official RSUCON 2026 conference proceedings e-book, establishing a citable academic publication record.

Publication details: ISBN (e-book) 978-616-421-246-6, pages 387–397.

Academic Supervisor

Special thanks to Dr. Billel Arbaoui for his continuous guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the research process. His encouragement and feedback played an important role in helping us grow both technically and academically.

Gallery

Three presenters at the front of a classroom with the research slides projected behind them — Presenting research findings and methodology during the conference presentation session.

The research team in front of the RSUCON 2026 conference banner — Research team together with corresponding author AJ Billel Arbaoui after the presentation session.

A selfie in a conference room, with members of the research team seated behind — Preparing for presentation and participating in conference discussions with fellow researchers.

The team with mentors and collaborators in front of the RSUCON 2026 banner — Celebrating the completion of the conference presentation experience with mentors and collaborators.

The research team smiling around a café table after the conference — Post-conference team meetup reflecting collaboration, teamwork, and shared research experience.

First page of the published paper, with its title, the four authors and the abstract — Published conference proceeding paper: “The Association Between Technology-Based Multitasking and Students' Academic Performance at Rangsit International College.” ISBN 978-616-421-246-6, pp. 387–397.

Acceptance and invitation letter from the RSU International Research Conference 2026 — Formal invitation letter from RSU International Research Conference confirming acceptance and inviting presentation at RSUCON 2026.

Citation

@inproceedings{rsucon2026multitasking,
  title     = {The Association Between Technology-Based Multitasking and Students' Academic Performance at Rangsit International College},
  author    = {{Myat Thuzar Bo} and {Saung Hnin Htet} and {Kyaw Swar Hein} and Arbaoui, Billel},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the RSU International Research Conference 2026 on Science and Technology (RSUCON 2026)},
  pages     = {387--397},
  year      = {2026},
  isbn      = {978-616-421-246-6},
  doi       = {10.14458/RSU.res.2026.95},
  url       = {https://rsucon.rsu.ac.th/proceeding/article/3800}
}