Title: Unleashing mobile phones for research supervision support at Makerere University, Uganda: the lessons learned

Authors: Paul B. Muyinda, Jude T. Lubega, Kathy Lynch

Addresses: Faculty of Computing and IT, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. ' Faculty of Computing and IT, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. ' University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia

Abstract: This paper provides the lessons learned in an m-learning initiative to support distance learning students undertaking a field research project. Learner survey and staff interview data revealed that m-learning overcomes the odds that inhibit the implementation of |conventional| e-learning and creates a platform for regular interaction. M-learning creates a customer care attitude and intimacy between the interacting parties, hence removing the phobia that students attach to lecturers. It encourages active learning, paces learners and improves learner satisfaction and motivation. On the contrary, m-learning creates cognitive overload for a lecturer facilitating a large group of students and introduces a strange vocabulary.

Keywords: educational innovation; mobile phones; cell phones; m-learning; mobile learning; Uganda; mobile research supervision; MRSI; developing countries; Makerere University; innovative learning; higher education; universities; learner motivation; student satisfaction; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; distance learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2010.029471

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2010 Vol.7 No.1, pp.14 - 34

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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