Mobile-Learning - Thai HE Student Perceptions and Potential Technology Impacts

Abstract

Higher education appears to be changing in the Thailand, as students, especially younger students whose social networking concerns match their obsession with mobile technology, may take issue with past academic teaching patterns and practices and opt for more contemporary approaches such as mobile-learning (m-Learning). This research used a qualitative approach and conducted a focus group of' students (N=15) drawn from a target population of 256 using a simple random sampling process exploring their recent experiences of m-Learning at a small HE institution in Thailand. The major results yield a mixed response in terms of student readiness for m-Learning technology demands. The analysis would appear to suggest that there are crucial technological constraints that have to be overcome relating to mobile devices, the media used and the effects of the delivery mechanism; and that these technological constraints have a considerable impact on student's pedagogic engagement. Future research implications and issues surrounding the development of mobile-Learning in Thailand higher education are also discussed. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of International Education Studies is the property of Canadian Center of Science & Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)