EXPLORING THE USAGE PATTERN OF SMARTPHONE FOR ACADEMIC PURSUIT: A CASE STUDY OF UTKAL UNIVERSITY

This paper aims to determine the usage patterns of smartphones by Utkal University students for their academic pursuits. This study uses a survey method to collect data from students at Utkal University. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed, and 215 duly filled questionnaires were received, with the response rate of 86%. The students expressed that they used smartphones for both general purposes as well as academic purposes. The main aim of this paper is to throw light on how students are using smartphones for their academic purposes without prior training. The study found that 90% of the respondents indicated that smartphones help to store course materials for easy access and to check email inbox often. This study recommends that the University committed itself to promote the use of smartphones in teaching and learning at different levels. To encourage the use of smartphones, it is necessary to periodically develop a standardized training program for better use of smartphones