Mobile user experience in a mlearning environment

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore components that influence the Mobile User Experience (MEX) in a mlearning interaction through a review of relevant literature. The application of mobile cellular technology in education has been the focus of the emerging domain of mlearning, and has, through numerous pilots and initiatives, been shown as having the potential to overcome several barriers experienced in education. This potential is, however counterbalanced by studies that show the relative high dropout rate and non-use for learners using a diverse array of electronic learning systems when compared to the traditional face-to-face classroom interactions. The learners as end-users often indicate a frustration with the technology as a major obstacle for the use and participation in technology enhanced learning systems. Moreover, organizations are increasingly requiring evidence that technology enhanced learning systems and programs will be widely accepted and utilized before implementing them. This paper explores and documents the components that would impact on the phenomena within a discourse between the technology affordances and domain requirements as revealed by the literature in the domains of mlearning and Mobile Human Computer Interaction (MHCI).

MUUX-E, a framework of criteria for evaluating the usability, user experience and educational features of m-learning environments

“…Considering the mobile context, Botha, Herselman and van Greunen [31] explore mobile UX (MEX). They suggest that frustration experienced by learners in technology-enhanced contexts, might block rather than facilitate learning.…”

Usability Evaluation for Business Intelligence Applications: A User Support Perspective

“…The focus of HCI research has evolved over time [33]. The task and work related usability paradigm that focus on the achievement of behavioural goals in work settings [34] has been expanded beyond the instrumental to the holistic, aesthetic and hedonic user experience (UX) paradigm [35]. For the purpose of this study the basic difference between usability and user experience is based on the ISO FDIS 9241-210 [36] and is stated as follows:…”

“…However, given the importance of user experience as a more holistic approach to the user's engagement with the interactive computing devices [35] every effort was made to capture user's subjective perceptions and responses.…”

Towards a Method for Mobile Learning Design

“…Being able to move around is a key feature that differentiates mobile learning from other learning environments; it is seen as freeing the learner from the classroom, allowing learning to take place anywhere and anytime. Mobility has become a major focus of mobile learning design alongside personalisation (Botha, Herselman, & van Greunen, 2010;Costabile et al, 2008).…”