Flipd App Reduces Cellular Phone Distractions in the Traditional College Classroom: Implications for Enriched Discussions and Student Retention

Abstract

Cellular phone distractions inhibit faculty delivering and students learning the curriculum by reducing student attendance and active engagement. Arguably, cellular phone usage during precious class times can be a risk factor for student attrition, but scarce solutions have been offered to address this problem in colleges. The Flipd App, a cellular phone distraction reduction technology was tested on 266 college students. The results showed a positive linear relationship between usage and attendance rates and a negative linear relationship between usage and ≥ 3 absence rates, and ∼10% of students resisted its use. The Flipd App may serve as a predictive educational intervention tool that increases active learning, reduces attrition, and increases retention. It may be useful in classes with less hands-on activities to reduce distractions and increase active student engagement. The Flipd App may prove useful in helping college students curb their screen time habits from the Fear of Missing Out to the Joy of Missing Out.