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Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Adam M. Novelli

For the degree of

Doctor of Education
Interprofessional Leadership, Educational Technology

Understanding Student Mobile Digital Distraction

March 3, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Microsoft Teams

Understanding Student Mobile Digital Distraction

Mobile phones have become ubiquitous in secondary school classrooms, creating new opportunities for learning while simultaneously introducing persistent sources of distraction. Despite widespread policy responses that range from permissive integration to outright restriction, comparatively little research has examined how students themselves understand and experience mobile digital distraction during instructional time. This study investigates student attitudes toward in-class mobile phone use and explores the psychological, behavioral, and contextual factors that shape those attitudes. 

Using a quantitative design, survey data and self-reported measures of phone use were analyzed to examine relationships among perceived distraction, minutes of mobile engagement, problematic smartphone use, and motivational constructs related to autonomy and self-regulation. Quantitative findings identify key predictors of both perceived and behavioral distraction, providing deeper insight into students’ reasoning about when, why, and how they choose to use their devices during class. 

Findings contribute to the growing literature on digital distraction by clarifying how student beliefs align with observable behaviors and by offering practical recommendations for educators and school leaders. Results support the development of balanced, autonomy-supportive instructional practices and policies that reduce off-task phone use while preserving the potential benefits of mobile technology for learning