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Chapter 14
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-2492-2.ch014
ABSTRACT
This chapter discussed the results of a study that explored students’ perceptions of personal mobile de-
vices in the classroom and suggestions for policies. Thirty-four students enrolled in two undergraduate
courses taught at a Brazilian higher education institution took part in the study. Data collection consisted
of a survey and focus group interview. Quantitative data suggested an overall tendency to rare use of
the devices for content and non-content activities. Qualitative results, however, showed that students
may have used more often their devices in class. The results discussed several policies recommended by
the students ranging from allowing the devices for content and emergency to not using social media for
of- task activities. The study suggested that inappropriate use of mobile technology in the classroom
may be minimized if students participate in the development of policies, and instructors integrate the
devices in class to promote engagement and interest among students. Recommendations for practice
and future research are discussed.
INTRODUCTION
Mobile technology ownership among university students continues to grow, with more students owning
smartphones (Dahlstrom & Bichsel, 2014). Students are increasingly bringing their personal devices to
the classrooms. This trend known as “bringing your own device” or BYOD is expected to be progres-
sively adopted by higher education institutions (Johnson, Adams Becker, Estrada, & Freeman, 2015).
Institutions adopting a BYOD model will allow students to use their own devices for learning (Kobus,
Rietveld, & Van Ommeren, 2013). Research has discussed the educational benefits of a BYOD model in
University Students’ Perceptions
of Personal Mobile Devices in
the Classroom and Policies
Ieda M. Santos
Emirates College for Advanced Education, UAE
Otávio Bocheco
Federal Institute Catarinense – Rio do Sul, Brazil