Abraham E. Flanigan

My research examines the interplay among technology, motivation, and self-regulated learning. I investigate how this interplay shapes students’ engagement and academic success. Much of my work focuses on digital distraction in higher education, including how students manage—or, very often, struggle to manage—personal devices and how educators and institutions can respond in ways that support learning. I also study note-taking and other learning strategies, student–instructor rapport, and the motivational beliefs that influence students’ academic choices and behaviors. My current projects explore technology-related education policy, cross-cultural differences in digital distraction and motivation, and how viewing higher education as a consumer transaction may affect students’ responsibility for learning.