Understanding smartphones usage context in the classroom

The use of smartphones is frequent among individuals due to its many functionalities. The use of mobile devices is no longer exclusively linked to basic communication process, but it related to a number of processes such as information access. Students in a state of constant connectivity through their smartphones are commonly seen in classrooms around the world. This study aims to characterize the context of mobile technology usage inside an accounting course of a Public University from Southern of Brazil. It analyses the use of smartphones through a comparative study from data collected in 2016 and 2018. From data collected in the study, it is noted that many applications and functionalities of smartphones are used for personal, professional and academic purposes simultaneously. The finding contributes to the improvement of the classes, highlighting pathways for the fruitful integration of this technology in the classroom.