To meet their learning demands in a university context, students' regular usage of digital technology has raised the need for personalization and diversity. Mobile devices are expanding into the mainstream and giving students more opportunities. Students are at ease utilizing digital technology and rapidly and easily pick up new technology. Students are engaged in their education outside of the typical classroom setting when mobile technology is used. Higher education institutions have recently supported students' usage of mobile technology to foster learning and growth. The educational options offered by mobile technology can help students succeed in higher education. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between college students’ academic use of mobile technology and their superior thinking skills through their active participation and learning efforts. The sample consisted of 656 students from a university in West Java, and the data were analyzed using a structured least squares equation model. The results show that the use of mobile technology in learning directly affects students’ thinking skills, in addition to their learning effort and active participation in the classroom. These findings provide valuable information for higher education institutions seeking to introduce interactive and technology-integrated environments.