The Smartphone as a Self-regulatory Planning Tool: Promise or Peril

Abstract

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