This two-part observational and intervention study addressed the role of the smartphone in self-regulated learning (SRL) and student success as measured by achievement. Smartphone usage among students has been identified as contributing to lower academic achievement in a variety of settings. What is unclear is how smartphone usage contributes to lower outcomes. This study surveyed participants’ self-regulated learning skills and smartphone usage at the beginning and end of the term for first semester undergraduates. A regression analysis demonstrated that when controlling for prior achievement, general SRL measures had a positive impact on first semester achievement. Smartphone related SRL did not have a direct impact on achievement. The second part of the study evaluated the efficacy of a brief intervention to ameliorate factors contributing to lower achievement. Students were presented with either SRL strategies, awareness and attention strategies or career planning guidance (control). A regression analysis of the brief intervention resulted in modest gains in SRL but did not influence achievement.

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This study examines the relationship between student planning, smartphone use, and course achievement. The ubiquitous smartphone can promote or hinder learning depending upon how it is used. Prior research has explored overall smartphone use (e.g., hours used) and generally found negative relationships with academic achievement. This study investigates the learner’s approach to a specific academic endeavor, planning, and how the choice of support tools may relate to self-regulated learning skills and course grade. First-year college students reported on their approach to academic planning and how popular tools such as the smartphone and/or a planner were used to that end. The results indicated a strong relationship between both modes of planning and self-regulated learning skills (planner, R = .305, p < .01; smartphone, R = .157, p <.01). The modes of planning had a differing effect on course grades when controlling for self-regulated learning skills with the smartphone planning demonstrating a negative influence (ß = -.078, p < .05) and the planner or notebook demonstrating a positive influence (ß = .082, p < .05). The findings suggest that teachers and students should critically examine the tools they use to support academic goals.

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