Students are seeking flexible study opportunities. Smartphones have potential to support learning at times and places chosen by learners but their introduction presents challenges in negotiating the changes in the behaviour of learners and in the materials and activities provided by university courses. This project, funded by DEHub in two Queensland universities, explored how students used mobile devices with many characteristics of smartphones. This paper reports on the first phase that investigated the changes required to facilitate access to course materials and activities using the devices. Data have been viewed through the lens of activity theory. The results confirmed the need for developing skills and managing expectations of learners and academics and for adjustments to design of course materials and delivery systems to facilitate access.