Abstract:

This paper presents the results of a qualitative-descriptive research, with a focus on symbolic interactionism, it aims characterize the study habits developed by the master's students in the area of social and human sciences in a university (265 students) through the use of mobile devices, such as laptop, tablet and smartphone.

The research used surveys and semi-structured interviews to identify study habits, to establish the relation between use of mobile devices and study habits, also, to determine aspects for identifying such habits. The information collected was analyzed quantitatively in SPSS and qualitatively in Atlas.Ti, the results are presented with respect to preparation of academic activities, search information, communication with teachers and students, organization of materials, realization of backups and resources used in technological devices to develop academic activities.

The conclusions are presented in relation to the influence of environmental conditions, emotional aspects, time management, advantages and disadvantages about the use of mobile devices in study habits, in addition it is emphasized that the device most used for academic purposes is the laptop, while the tablet is used for reading, and the smartphone for communication with classmates.

The mobile devices allow the performance of academic activities with efficiency and effectiveness by the different programs and applications of the devices or web, which students use according to their interests or needs in the learning process; Although the use of mobile devices becomes a distracting factor in academic activities, due to the presence of social networks, music and the simultaneous use of various devices.

Keywords:

Devices, habits, laptop, tablet, smartphone, study.