Title: From traditional learning into mobile learning in education at the university level: undergraduate students perspective

Authors: Mohamed Sarrab; Ahmed Alzahrani; Nasser Al Alwan; Osama Alfarraj

Addresses: Communication and Information Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman ' Department of Computer Science, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ' Department of Computer Science, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ' Department of Computer Science, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The recent improvement in the capabilities of mobile devices has led to increased interest in utilising these devices as learning tools. The purpose of this study is to measure students' awareness and acceptance of mobile learning. Based on participatory action research and user-centred design, the study involves students from two departments; i.e. science and engineering, at Sultan Qaboos University, who attended two sequential study phases. The first phase included the detailed presentation and formal discussion of the concept of M-learning and its technologies and approaches. Second phase consisted of survey which was divided into six parts: general information, electronic learning knowledge, and perception, mobile learning knowledge, and perception and final part, focusing on students' suggestions. The results show good acceptance level for mobile learning and indicate positive attitude toward the behavioural intention to use mobile learning. The students also showed a great interest in using mobile devices as learning tools.

Keywords: mobile learning; m-learning; electronic learning; e-learning; traditional learning; higher education; universities; undergraduate students; science education; engineering education; Saudi Arabia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2014.067014

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2014 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.167 - 186

Received: 28 Mar 2014
Accepted: 07 Jun 2014
Published online: 22 Jan 2015 *

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