Challenging mobile learning discourse through research: Student perceptions of Blackboard Mobile Learn and iPads

Abstract

<span>Many university academics disagree with the rationale that we should pursue mobile learning because 21st century students are apparently demanding it. We argue that the only defensible rationale for making mobile learning part of pedagogy is because it enhances student learning. This presentation shares results from research with 135 students engaged in mobile learning over two semesters. It addresses the question of whether </span><em>Blackboard Mobile Learn</em><span> made a perceived difference to their learning. Results revealed that in-class, students used their mobile devices for </span><em>Blackboard Mobile Learn</em><span> to the same extent as they used them for searching the web for study, accessing university web pages, email and making </span><em>Facebook</em><span> posts, but less than they used them for browsing the web for pleasure and </span><em>Facebook</em><span> reading. The majority of students were neutral when asked if they prefer </span><em>Mobile Learn</em><span> over PC access to </span><em>Blackboard</em><span>. Students were likewise neutral when asked whether they perceived </span><em>iPads</em><span> to improve their learning. There was higher frequency agreement that using </span><em>iPads</em><span> motivated them to learn. Qualitative feedback from focus groups was mixed, but largely positive. The overall interpretation was that it is a matter of course that students would access their subject site via mobile devices.</span>

To BYOD or not to BYOD: factors affecting academic acceptance of student mobile devices in the classroom

“…Instead, perceptions on disruption appeared to link overtly to device type. Indeed, despite the literature indicating that iPads can be equally disruptive (Henderson, Gibson, and Gibb 2013;Infenthaler and Schweinbenz 2013;Kinash, Brand, and Mathew 2012;Rossing et al 2012) only one interviewee reported such concerns about faculty iPads compared to an overwhelming majority expressing clear concerns about phones.…”

A New Mobile Learning Model in the Context of the Smart Classrooms Environment: A Holistic Approach

“…Traxler (2007) defined m-learning, as "an educational interaction delivered through mobile technology and accessed by learners from any location" [28]. Kinash et al (2012) described m-learning as the use of mobile devices with an internet connection for educational setting [29]. The m-learning technology includes hardware such as: mobile phones, handheld PCs, tablets, as well as other mobile devices that can run mobile applications and includes software.…”

IPad in Elementary School Math Learning Setting

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