Students as Contributors: Undergraduates' Perceptions of Mobile Technology Use and Policies for the Classroom

This study investigated students' perceptions of mobile device usage and policies to manage digital disruptions in the classroom. A survey was conducted with 173 undergraduates at a Federal Institute in Brazil. Data analysis suggested students' occasional use of key mobile applications for content and non-content. Most of the students favoured permissive rather than restrictive policies. Findings also suggested significant differences in perceptions in relation to some of the policy statements according to age and program. The study concluded that students' contributions to policies need to be supported with discussions with instructors and other stakeholders to help them develop more understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of mobile technology in the classroom to ensure compliance. In this joint effort, students are contributors of policies, alongside stakeholders where diverse and differing opinions are reconciled to create policies that are appropriate to all involved. Recommendations for future research were discussed.