In-lecture smartphone use and academic performance: A reflection on the sustainable development goal number four

Abstract

This paper draws on lessons from the relationship between student mobile phone use during lectures and the overall academic performance of students in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals number 4. Findings from a random sample of 150 University of Ghana students confirm a relationship between mobile phone use during lectures and academic performance of students. Students who use their mobile phone handsets during lectures reported lower academic performance. It is important for the framers of goal number 4 to consider how to reduce the problematic use of mobile phones during the learning process so as to truly achieve the principles of equity and quality education for all