How Dependent Student is to Smartphone?

     It is no longer surprising to see students nowadays spending more time staring at their mobile devices, constantly tapping and scrolling on the phone screen. With the advent of wireless technology, mobile communication between two parties or even among groups of students become more accessible.

     The emergence of smartphones such as iPhone greatly affects the way the younger generation accomplishes their daily duties. Students tend to be more reliance on smartphones than laptops to check emails, to social networking and to derive news and information. The build-in social apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc. further provide an easier platform for instant data sharing and connecting purpose regardless of time zone and geographical location. Though these social media apps bring about the decline to the use of traditional text messaging, the emotional and physical attachment to mobile devices imposed by younger generation is continually growing along with the invention of phone apps.

     It is all about the all-in-one function and conveniency that makes the younger people obsess with their mobile devices, said Wenjin Chung, a senior majoring in Economics at the University of Maryland.

     Now, we are invariably experiencing professors or faculty members who incorporate the use of mobile technology and social media, especially Twitter, in their teaching. Knowing the trend and culture of mobile communication and effectiveness of mobile apps are important to help facilitating a better learning outcome.