Title: Exploratory investigation of student attitudes toward technology based on Wi-Fi usage

Authors: Yong Lu, A. Rao Korukonda

Addresses: Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State Hazleton, 76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA 18202, USA. ' Department of Management Information Systems, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, 400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg PA 17815, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how college students use Wi-Fi technology and to address relative benefits and barriers of Wi-Fi in student mobile learning. This research combined qualitative and quantitative research methods and the participants were college students. Preliminary findings indicated students who used the Wi-Fi in class held significantly more positive attitudes toward this technology compared to students who had not yet used it. No significant differences were found between graduate students and undergraduate students. The study also found that Wi-Fi technology can promote student-centred learning in five areas: mobility, learning environment, flexibility, collaboration, and communication.

Keywords: wi-fi technology; mobile learning; m-learning; mobile life; student-centred learning; teaching strategies; mobility; learning environment; flexibility; collaboration; communication; wireless networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2008.020320

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2008 Vol.2 No.3, pp.283 - 300

Published online: 15 Sep 2008 *

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