Student Readiness and Perception of Tablet Learning in Higher Education in the Pacific- A Case Study of Fiji and Tuvalu

Abstract

Significant growth and successful integration of mobile devices to the education landscape have garnered the introduction of mobile learning (mLearning) as a new technology-enabled educational tool. Mobile learning has become a new higher educational paradigm which makes learning more flexible and accessible. However, student readiness and their perceptions about educational use of tablet devices are still a concern particularly in the developing countries like the Pacific island countries (PICs). This article investigates these two important attributes of tablet devices in a first year blended course from a higher education institute in the Pacific with a sample of 43 students. The results revealed that the participants perceived that tablet devices were effective and innovative learning tools. The participants supported the idea of using tablet devices and were ready to incorporate them for learning provided there was training in place. This article finally outlines recommendations for the education sectors in the Pacific.

Attitudes and awareness of regional Pacific Island students towards e-learning

“…The innovations in information and communication technology (ICT) and its integration into the education sector has massively impacted the education process, particularly in higher education. New learning methods such as web-based or Internet-based delivery modes have evolved into a broad range of learning modes, including e-learning, m-learning (mobile learning), tablet-learning and flipped classrooms (Ansong-Gyimah, 2020 ; Reddy et al, 2020b ). In the recent years, e-learning has become one of the most trending learning methods in academia (Bhuvaneswari & Dharanipriya, 2020 ).…”

“…E-learning has been defined as the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education which continues to evolve to meet the needs and demands of the students (Bhuvaneswari & Dharanipriya, 2020 ), E-learning involves the use of technology and web platform to create a two-way platform for communication and discussion between students and teachers, where student-to-student discussions enhance social learning, and teachers provide a scaffolded learning experience for students via timely feedback (Layali & Al-Shlowiy, 2020 ), E-learning encompasses a broad set of applications and processes such as computer-assisted learning, web-based training, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration (Kashive et al, 2020 ). is the reason for its popularity results from numerous associated advantages, including (Kashive et al, 2020 ; Layali & Al-Shlowiy, 2020 ; Raturi, 2018 ; Reddy et al, 2020b ): No limitation of pace and time. Students can access the content and learn at their own speed and time Promotion of active learning, as students take the lead role in the learning process Promotion of student-centred, self-directed, interactive, flexible learning Students are exposed to the use of versatile education tools …”

“…Many higher education institutes in the South Pacific have transited to technology enabled learning to make the learning processes more effective and to meet the demands from the students. However, the phenomena of e-learning in the South Pacific is still developing and there are relatively few studies explored student attitudes and perceptions toward the use of technology, with most studies focused on technology and student acceptance (Raturi, 2018 ; Reddy et al, 2020b ; Sharma & Reddy, 2015 ; Sharma et al, 2020 , 2019b ).…”

“…For instance, students may not be able to afford equipment such as laptops or desktop computers, or be able to afford internet access plans with sufficient bandwidth and data allowance for video streaming or other data-heavy applications (Chillemi et al, 2020 ). This is more prominent in developing countries such as those in the Pacific region (Reddy et al, 2017 , 2019 , 2020a , 2020b ; Sharma et al, 2018a , 2018b ). Hence in many of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), government initiatives have been implemented to provide school students with laptops and tablets in order to allow them to access online resources and obtain assistance with their schoolwork (Reddy et al, 2016 , 2017 , 2020b , 2020c ).…”

“…This is more prominent in developing countries such as those in the Pacific region (Reddy et al, 2017 , 2019 , 2020a , 2020b ; Sharma et al, 2018a , 2018b ). Hence in many of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), government initiatives have been implemented to provide school students with laptops and tablets in order to allow them to access online resources and obtain assistance with their schoolwork (Reddy et al, 2016 , 2017 , 2020b , 2020c ). Similarly, students may only have limited access options for accessing the internet (e.g.…”