According to the 2016 Digital Study Trends Survey, an annual survey of students (in 2016 there were 3,311 students, ranging from freshmen to PhDs) about 22 % of students said smartphones and other mobile devices are “extremely important” to studying (in 2014 there were only 13%). Other findings:

• A majority of students said technology makes studying more accessible (82%), helps them earn better grades (81 percent) and improves their focus (62%).
• Cost remains a barrier to technology use. About 39% said they would buy technology not required for a course, even if it was recommended.
• The laptop remains a #1 device for studying; 90% of students said the device is extremely or very helpful, easily “beating” professors and teaching assistants (72%), textbooks (67 %), and learning management systems (63%). The full report is available here.