How do students really interact? An investigation of Lithuanian students’ interactions via smartphone apps

ENPurpose: This mixed-method study investigated the ways smartphone applications (apps) promote students’ interaction, collaboration and learning performance. Method: A total of 160 respondents from a Lithuanian university were identified using convenience sampling. A survey was conducted to explore the frequent activities involving interaction, collaboration and learning performance. Focus group interviews were also conducted to determine the apps used in their interactions. Findings: The quantitative results suggest that smartphone apps promote students’ interaction, collaboration and improved learning performance. Qualitative results indicate three types of apps that are commonly used for interactions by the undergraduates in Lithuania, namely the educational, communication, and entertainment apps. Significance: The findings suggest that the instructions can play a constructive role in mediating the learners’ interaction on smartphone apps. As such, the study creates space for instructors to further craft pedagogical practices to better account for learners’ access to these apps. It is hoped that this study will provide a path for educational solutions for instructors and practitioners.