Smart phones edge out computers, tablets as study tool

If a student is studying and a text message from his friend appears on the screen, the focus exhibited by the student has suddenly been split.

Nearly half of respondents admitted that they also used their phones to texting friends while studying. This also translates to other devices, with a similar number of students saying they toggle between study and non-study activities on the same device.

Forty percent of the students said “anything online” is the biggest distraction when studying, with particular emphasis on social media.

McGraw-Hill commissioned the survey as a bit of marketing for their adaptive learning program LearnSmart, so the study also provides broader insight on technology-aided studying, as well.

More than half of students said study technologies helped them feel more prepared for class. Nearly 70 percent said digital study tools, like adaptive learning software and mobile apps that can provide study materials on the go, can save them up to five hours a week when studying.

When asked what they do with that extra free time, 50 percent of students had the same response.

They sleep.

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