Exploring the role of M-learning in elementary education

Abstract

Aim/Purpose This study explores the associations between elementary school learners' m-learning and learner satisfactions based on the technology-mediated learning model. Background M-learning (mobile learning) is emerging, but its role in elementary education still needs clarification. Methodology Questionnaires were mailed to several different elementary schools, located in different areas that adopted m-learning. Due to the possible limited cognitive ability because of age, short measures were adopted in the study. Finally, data from eighty-six elementary school learners who had experience in mobile learn-ing were gathered and analyzed with Partial Least Square (PLS) for the limited sample size. Contribution The results implied the vital role of m-learning in providing different form of interaction in class to activate elementary school learners' course participation. They also indicated that mobile learning not only activated learners' active course participation but linked students, teachers, courses, and schools. Findings The results showed that m-technology quality of mobile learning was signifi-cantly associated with learners' active course participation and satisfaction to-ward apps/tablets in m-learning that contributed to different learner satisfac-tions. Recommendations for Practitioners The findings suggested that with good interaction quality facilitated by apps/tablets in m-learning, m-learning could be a suitable medium for teachers to have interaction with students and increased students' different satisfactions in schools at alternative collective learning environments in elementary educa-tion. Future Research Future studies to measure and reflect different impact of student-teacher inter-action in m-learning are suggested.