Laptop use in higher education ultimately has an effect on final grades. Laptop use (IV) and final grades (DV) is depending on the mediating variable of distractions. Distractions in this case consist of all the mediums that are not associated with class material. An example of a distraction would be using your computer during class time to go on Facebook. Besides the mediating variable, the amount of studying done beyond class time also plays a role in the outcome that laptop use has on final grades. This would be the moderating variable, which interferes with distractions (mediating) to cause the effect on DV, which are final grades. This is important because although note taking is not taking place, the time spent studying outside of class
