My students are gen Y, and they appreciate that we have communication through whatsapp group, and on facebook. With whatsapp, they can get info and at times answers, and they are happy to feel connected and a sense of belonging. Mobiles are also used for m-learning through google searching, and very useful to compare unlabeled images that are seen under the light microscope, with labeled diagrams on education blogspots and biology education websites. All my students have mastered the technique to place the camera over the eyepiece of microscope and take good pictures, in a fraction of the time needed if they were to draw those images.
As these students are disciplined enough to keep away their devices when not required for class use, refrain from taking selfies in class, and not checking on FB messages from friends, mobile devices are a great advantage to us. Thanks.