Search Repository STIE PERSADA BUNDA

The majority of middle school students have smartphones to search for information in globalization that we cannot avoid. But the phenomenon shows: (1) they use smartphones only for social communication, and search for less important information, (2) the majority of schools forbid students bring smartphones to school. If this continues, it will hinder the acceleration of students' knowledge development. This study aims to explore the benefits of smartphones for OSN (National Science Olympiad) coaching participants who are taught to use smartphones as learning resources. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp. Furthermore, the data were analyzed descriptively. The results of study found: (a) 70.1% of respondents in using smartphones to prepare OSN increased in the high category, (b) of the 6 indicators studied all increased in the high category, (c) 5.6% of respondents felt the benefits were low because they experienced difficulties in individual and group learning patterns. Furthermore, schools are advised to use smartphones as a learning resource in schools, but their use is under the control (command and supervision) of teachers.