Theory into Practice (TIP) is calling for submissions focused on Digital Distraction in K-12 and Postsecondary Contexts. TIP, a peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by Taylor & Francis, only publishes special thematic issues. All articles concern applications of theory and research to practice. TIP does not publish original empirical studies. The articles published in TIP are relatively short compared with other journals. Additional information about TIP can be found here: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/htip20
Guest Editors
Anna C. Brady, Georgia Southern University
Abraham Flanigan, Georgia Southern University
Overview
The use of personal devices in K-12 and postsecondary classrooms is an important issue that has a strong impact on students’ academic outcomes. More specifically, the integration of personal devices in K-12 and postsecondary contexts can lead to digital distraction, which can harm learning and achievement. Digital distraction refers to student misuse of personal electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets) for off-task purposes such as texting, surfing the Internet, and gaming. Recently, this issue has been an issue of focus in K-12 education; many states have adopted legislature aimed at curtailing the use of personal devices in K-12 classrooms (e.g., House Bill 250 in Ohio; House Bill 340 in Georgia). In postsecondary contexts, the management of personal devices and digital distraction is typically left up to the instructor.
The aim of this special issue is to explore digital distraction in K-12 and postsecondary contexts. Potential articles might focus on the following topics (although submissions addressing other topics related to digital distraction in K-12 and postsecondary contexts are welcome as well):
- Individual or contextual factors that influence digital distraction in K-12 or postsecondary contexts
- The implications of personal device use and/or digital distraction on student motivation, learning, achievement, or other academic outcomes
- The implications of personal device use and/or digital distraction on student health and wellbeing outcomes
- Strategies for supporting appropriate personal device use in K-12 or postsecondary classrooms
- State-level, district-level, or school-level policies aimed at regulating (e.g., banning, outlining appropriate use, etc.) personal device use in K-12 or postsecondary classrooms
- Administrator, teacher, support-staff, parent, or student perspectives on personal device use and/or digital distraction in K-12 or postsecondary contexts
One-Page Proposals
Potential authors should submit a 1-page single-spaced article proposal (not including references) that includes the following:
(a) proposed title of the manuscript and names and affiliations of authors;
(b) brief description of the overall topic that will be addressed;
(c) brief explanation of how the manuscript fits with the purpose of the special issue and how it advances theory into practice; and
(d) a brief description of the research, theory, and scholarship that supports recommendations in the manuscript, particularly for practitioners and policymakers.
Article Guidelines
Before submitting a proposal, be aware of these guidelines for articles published in TIP:
- Articles published in TIP may be between 5,000 – 6,000 words in length
- TIP does not publish empirical studies; all TIP articles are summative and are based on reviews of previously published studies
- If accepted, authors will be expected to provide a brief list of additional resources for classroom use at the end of their article
- All articles must be written in APA format, 7th Edition
Tentative Timeline
- Call for proposals: December 15, 2025
- Submission of proposals: February 15, 2026
- Decisions on proposals: March 20, 2026
- Accepted articles submission of first drafts: August 15, 2026
- Feedback to authors: November 15, 2026
- Resubmission of revisions: January 23, 2027
- Proofs to authors: June 1, 2027
- Publication date: August 1, 2027
Please submit proposals via Qualtrics to: www.go.osu.edu/TIPDigitalDistractions by February 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.