Readiness for Learning with Mobile Phones: A Case Study with Undergraduates of Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The expeditious development of new technologies and their improvement in performance and functionality, determine the new trends of strengthening teaching and learning practices of higher education settings. Development of mobile technologies enables the users fully mobile which leads to new ways of bridging the boundaries of time and space in education settings by means of Mobile Learning (ML). ML can be used by students and teachers to improve overall learning experience. This study aimed to evaluate the readiness of students of Faculty of Science, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, for leaning with mobile phones (LMP) as a solution for the lack of computer facilities to access recently introduced Moodle and Google classrooms learning systems at any time. Further, it was aimed to understand the current status of mobile phone usage for studies, availability of resources for LMP, and barriers or limitations of LMP. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study. Data were collected based on a questionnaire, from 150 students in the Faculty. Analysis was performed with some statistical techniques: proportion test; Chi-square test; and binary logistic regression. This study could reveal that students are ready to use mobile phones to enhance learning process in a more personalized way and some students had already started LMP, even though some students were not aware of it. The readiness for LMP was dependent on awareness of LMP, and limitations such as screen size, memory, battery lifetime, and typing difficulties. With a awareness program, LMP can be implemented in the Faculty as an alternative solution for lacking facilities enabling students to access Moodle, and Google classrooms leaning systems. This situation encourages teachers to motivate students to use mobile phones to enhance teaching and learning success.