College campuses around the nation are fast to adopt new technology for students and teachers alike. The online world is grasping hold of how educators reach out to students or provide them with educational information. According to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, many educational settings are investing in the technology to serve a larger audience. A new study, which surveyed more than 500 currently enrolled college students, was conducted by CourseSmart and Wakefield Research, which surveyed more than 500 college students currently enrolled. The research found many students are saving time by using digital products like laptops, smartphones and tablets. Additionally, these devices are actually encouraging students to do their homework as well.

All devices used in the classroom
They study showed that 98 percent of the respondents had some sort of personal electronic device and used it in the classroom. The research added that these devices significantly helped save time with research, studying and homework, as 90 percent of those with devices worked faster.

"The survey underscores the undeniable influence technology has on today's college experience," said Sean Devine, CEO of CourseSmart. "As technology continues to evolve and digital devices become integral to the evolution of higher education, it's encouraging to see the positive impact on learning outcomes as students utilize advanced devices and digital course materials to streamline and improve their learning environment."

Mobile technology over printed books
One of the things the CourseSmart research found was that many students are abandoning their textbooks for electronic devices. In the past, a college students' most critical items in their backpacks were textbooks. However, the study discovered only 5 percent of college students thought their textbooks were the most essential thing in their book bag.

Additionally, 51 percent of students thought they would be more likely to bring a laptop to class, while only 39 percent said they would need a printed textbook.

Technology in the classroom
What's even more surprising is that many of the students in the CourseSmart survey said they have used their devices to take tests, quizzes and for other in-class activities. Also, 79 percent of the students said they used their mobile devices as a quick research tool right before taking a exam or quiz.

College students in the survey said they used online components during the course, with 96 percent admitting to Internet research or work. More than 70 percent of students said they have submitted assignments, papers and other exams online as well.

A big change in the college classroom is with note taking. However, now 70 percent of students take notes with their laptops, tablets or smartphones while in class. The number could be even higher, but there are still several professors and instructors who do not allow the devices in the classroom.

Increased collaboration
Students are aware of the benefits of the new technology hitting classrooms. According to ZDNet, students are collaborating with others in the classroom for team research projects with mobile technology. Students can collectively use Google Drive to store all of their notes and information on the cloud service.

Images, links, photocopies from textbooks and other digital-based content is easily shared between students through mobile devices. Also, many teachers are finding they can connect to students faster since they have mobile devices. Instructors can quickly email or attach digital reading assignments to Blackboard or some other cloud-based system while in class to either Blackboard or some other cloud-based system, the source reported.

With more students using mobile technology, losing or breaking these devices could be detrimental to continuing coursework. Personal insurance can give student's peace of mind knowing their devices are protected and will be replaced immediately if broken or lost.