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Student Research Guide WQ23/ Technology, Smartphones, and Education

By Aidan Fitzpatrick

 

Smartphone impacts on college students' education 

Keep this: This is a student-created research guide for English 102 & Library 201 Learning Community

 

  • This guide will address issues around smartphones in college classrooms and learning environments 
  • The purpose of this guide is to explore information on how smartphones have benefits on education 
  • This guide will discuss views on the impact of smartphones on college education 
  • This guide presents information and resources on smartphone impacts amongst college studetns 

  • Smartphones have revolutionized the way college students communicate and access information, but they can also be a major distraction. However, when used properly, they can be a valuable educational tool that can benefit students in a variety of ways. Smartphones can be used to access online lectures and tutorials, research materials, and study guides, as well as to stay organized and collaborate with classmates and teachers. Studies have shown that students who use their smartphones for educational purposes have better academic engagement, course satisfaction, and mental health. Although there are concerns that smartphones can be a distraction and a cheating device, they can also be used to access educational resources, facilitate student collaboration, and provide real-time feedback.

    Thesis-  Smartphones can be a major distraction to college student's education, but when utilized properly, they can be a valuable educational tool that benefits students' education as a whole.

  • -What strategies do college students use to manage their smartphone use during studying and academic tasks, and how effective are these strategies?
    -What are the potential benefits of using smartphones as an educational tool in the college classroom, and how do these benefits compare to more traditional methods of teaching and learning?
    -What types of educational apps and tools are available for smartphones, and how effective are they at enhancing learning outcomes for college students?
    -To what extent do college instructors incorporate smartphones and other mobile devices into their teaching, and what challenges do they face in doing so effectively?
    -How do college students from different demographic groups (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) use their smartphones for academic purposes, and do these usage patterns vary by group?
    -How does the level of self-regulation and time management skills of a college student affect their ability to use smartphones effectively for educational purposes?

 

 

Abstract

My aim of this research is to provide information to my readers on the impacts and benefits that smartphones present to college students and how it can benefit their learning and education if used correctly 


 

Background Information

A smartphone is a mobile device that combines the features of a regular phone and a computer. These enable users to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, access the internet, take photographs, and utilize a variety of applications. Smartphones have become an integral part of contemporary life, with people of all ages utilizing them for a variety of functions. This is especially true for college students, who rely on their smartphones for everything from keeping in touch with family and friends to completing academic assignments and courses.

In the early 1990s, IBM released the Simon Personal Communicator, a device that featured a touch screen, fax machine, and personal digital assistant (PDA). Yet, it wasn't until the debut of the BlackBerry and Palm Treo in the early 2000s that smartphones began to acquire popularity. These earliest cell phones had limited functionality and were used mostly for email and messaging. Smartphones did not completely change the mobile market until the iPhone was released in 2007, with features like a touch screen, mobile app store, and high-quality camera. Smartphones have continued to develop since then, incorporating new breakthroughs such as facial recognition, virtual assistants, and foldable screens. In this essay, we will examine the impact of smartphones on college students and how they can be both a helpful academic resource and a big distraction.

Smartphones have altered the way people communicate and obtain information. However, with this additional technology comes the risk of distraction and misapplication. College students are especially prone to the dangers of smartphones since they are frequently bombarded with notifications and messages from friends, family, and social media. Smartphones may connect students to a multitude of information, including online lectures and tutorials, research materials, and study guides. Smartphones can also be utilized to stay organized and on top of homework, as well as to collaborate with classmates and teachers. College students can use their smartphones to their advantage and reap the educational benefits that come with them if they employ the appropriate methods and discipline. 

Video, Graph, or Image

Kibona, L. (n.d.). Smartphones’ effects on academic performance of higher ... - JMEST. https://www.jmest.org/wp-content/uploads/JMESTN42350643.pdf

(I could not figure out how to paste the image in this slot but I can easily access the 10+ graphs and charts that this source has from the link provided above )

Although the usage of social networking sites (SNS) has grown in popularity among college students, the influence of SNS use on academic achievement has received little attention.
The use of Social Networking Services (SNS) has a negative impact on academic achievement, with students spending more time online and less time studying, according to this study. Smartphone addiction was also found to have a negative impact on self-regulated learning and flow when studying. Furthermore, it was discovered that the longer the attention span, the less time spent on SNS, and that ladies use SNS for conversation while males use it for enjoyment. The study indicated that social networking sites have a negative impact on academic performance.

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